The unpleasant developments of the last few days regarding the increase of the cases of the coronavirus in Melbourne, made it necessary to take strict measures to ensure the public health.
In this context, Archbishop Makarios of Australia announces the suspension of public worship in seven Orthodox Churches, which are in danger areas. These are, in particular, the Churches:
1. Holy Trinity, Footscray,
2. Saint Paraskevi, St Albans,
3. Saint Dimitrios, Ascot Vale,
4. Panagia Soumela, East Keilor,
5. St. Vasilios, Brunswick,
6. Saint Eleftherios, Brunswick,
7. Saint Nektarios, Fawkner.
With a relevant Encyclical addressed to the Archdiocesan Vicar of Melbourne, Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis, and to the Archdiocesan Vicar of the Northcote district, Archimandrite Eumenios, the Archbishop clarifies that the specific churches will remain closed to the faithful, but all services, the comemmorations of the Saints and the Divine Liturgies will be performed normally by the priest and the cantor. As for the sacraments and funerals, it is suggested that, if possible, to be held in other temples – otherwise, to be held in a strictly close family environment.
“I urge you to comply with the specific guidelines by properly guiding our priests and the Boards of Directors of the above Holy Temples, and at the same time I warmly ask you to intensify your prayers to God, the Gift Giver, Whose intervention awaits all humanity,” Archbishop Makarios concludes.