Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu urged the faithful to ignore the protection measures against the coronavirus pandemic and to come to the church in order to receive the Holy Communion.
In an audio file cited by the Corfupress website, on March 25, the Metropolitan seems to disagree with government measures, and in particular with the exceptions to the ban on movement.
As he said, reasons such as exercising outside individually are included in the certifications, “even they can take their dogs for a walk, but there was no provision for those who want to go to the church, pray or receive the Holy Communion, that is, the body and blood of our Lord.”
The Metropolitan of Corfu also urged Christians to leave the home with a certificate that will explain another reason for their movement in order to visit the church and to receive the Holy Communion.
“Take such a certification saying ‘I’m going out exercise outside’ and come to church to receive the Holy Communion and to pray for more hope,” said the Metropolitan.
“They may tell us ‘Don’t panic’ but they do nothing but panic our people. Only our Church and our true God can motivate us and give us life and joy,” said Metropolitan Nektarios.
Source: protothema