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

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.