Ministry of Health to decide within a week if to close churches for Easter

Believers of the UOC hope to celebrate Easter in open churches. Photo: politeka.net

Deputy Minister of Health Viktor Liashko said that the authorities do not plan to close churches for Easter yet, but are going to introduce additional precautions for the Easter period.

“It is necessary to find a compromise between the observance of quarantine restrictions and the fact that someone is not allowed into the temple,” “Glavcom” quotes his words. "I think these issues will be resolved within a week."

There are no specific restrictions on the format yet. Leaders of religious confessions will be involved in the discussion, the dialogue with whom will be "big and difficult", as the deputy minister expects.

“We want someone to be in the church, but in compliance with all the restrictions, and someone must stay outside,” Liashko said in a comment to "RBC-Ukraine". "Plus, the Easter online format which was last year is possible."

On April 8, during a press breakfast at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the head of the UOC, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, said that the believers hope, observing quarantine standards, to meet Easter in churches and hear the most important words: “Christ is Risen - Truly Risen!"

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.