Metropolitan Symeon of Fthiotida once again pointed out the criticality of the situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Metropolitan Symeon described the situation as very serious and called on the faithful to restrict their transportations.
“The situation is not funny. It is very serious. We are in an alarm state. Stay at home as long as you can, restrict your transportations,” he says, while asking people to meet the strict hygienic rules, and respect the instructions of the scientists.
In his circular note he adds that “My suggestion to all of you is simple. Be careful, follow the instructions given by scientists and pray with all your heart,” Metropolitan Symeon emphasizes, while stressing that “at this time, let us embrace one another mentally. Once the tsunami is over, we will warmly and immediately embrace each other.”
Metropolitan of Fthiotida announced in this context that visits to the institutions of the Metropolis would stop, Sunday schools, the parent school and the school of Byzantine music would close and excursions would also stop until March 29.
He suspends his personal appointments “until the ordeal passes,” and calls on priests belonging to the vulnerable groups of the population “to limit their activities to the minimum and necessary” while those who are likely to show symptoms “are advised to stay at home, strictly follow the instructions and contact their doctor.”
Finally, Metropolitan Symeon cancels the concelebration planned to be held for the feast of the Saints of Fthiotida, suspends regional hierarcal gatherings, and changes the program of the Salutations to the Theotokos (as the Metropolitan was scheduled to celebrate in small churches in Lamia) for reasons related to the mass of events.
*with information from ANA-MPA
