ROC rep explains why priests cannot be in self-isolation

The head of the Synodal Department of the Russian Orthodox Church for Relations of the Church with Society and Media Vladimir Legoyda. Photo: ria.ru

On March 27, 2020, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Synodal Department for Relations of the Church with Society and Media Vladimir Legoyda explained that priests re “spiritual doctors” who should remain on duty until the last, accepting those who come to them. He wrote about this on his Telegram channel.

“A priest is a spiritual doctor who, like a physical doctor, is obliged to accept those who come to him, no matter how much he wants to isolate himself. Many of the priests are over 65, but nobody will "free" them like doctors from pastoral duty. And like officers, they can’t be quarantined. Because the priest also takes the oath to serve God and people,” writes the representative of the Russian Orthodox Church.

According to him, priests, like doctors, will go to and already attend the home-based elderly and the infected in hospitals.

“The priest will always remain on the post. And he will serve and pray, including for those of us who, for health or other reasons, remain at home today, are in a hospital or are doing their duty in the public service or at a medical post. May God grant us all to overcome the infection that has come to us together, in love for each other and mutual assistance,” he wrote.

As reported by the UOJ, the Primate of the UOC has blessed all eparchies to participate in the fight against the pandemic.

 

Read also

After Criticism from National Herald, GOARCH Shares Public Schedule of Pat. Bartholomew

Questions had previously been raised about the Patriarch of Constantinople's upcoming visit to the U.S., which initially had a schedule of meetings that was seemingly restricted to the more privileged members of the archdiocese.

Serbian Orthodox Priest: There Is Only One Canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine — The UOC

Archpriest Slobodan Zeković affirms the exclusive canonical status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry and explains the Church’s stance on Holy Communion and intercommunion with other Christian communities.

Pat. Porfirije: The Church Must Resist Applause at Appearing 'Modern'

Serbian Patriarch warns against diluting the Church’s mission during visit to historic Belgrade parish.

Pat. of Jerusalem: We Must 'Serve and Guard the Holy Places'

"Our unity also has its fruits, which is the salvation of all," said Theophilus II. "Our unity guarantees the way and the means of salvation."

Met. Longin: Mobilization of Priests 'Lawless', a 'Disgrace'

"Today, they are taking our priests to war. They have no right to do this because we cannot then raise our hands to God—they will be stained with blood," the Metropolitan declared.

London ROCOR Cathedral Marks Milestone in Food Aid to Refugees and Needy

Cathedral food bank distributes nearly 2,800 boxes since launch in 2022.