DECR MP appeals to the "collective mind" of Russians in view of vaccination
Metropolitan Hilarion. Photo: pravmir.ru
In matters of vaccination, one must "appeal to the collective mind", says the head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk. The hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church said this in the Church and Peace program on Saturday, October 16.
He criticized the position of people who do not take advantage of the free vaccination and "discourage others".
“I think this is the situation where we have to appeal to some kind of collective intelligence. And I always tell those people who do not want to be vaccinated: if you do not want to do this for yourself, you should do it at least for others,” said Metropolitan Hilarion.
He is convinced that “now we know how to deal with it (coronavirus – Ed.). We have a vaccine ... that protects 90%, 96%, 99%." The bishop also said that the talk that the vaccine may be hazardous to health or does not protect against coronavirus is a myth. Earlier, the head of the DECR MP said that Instagram blocked his account after posts in support of vaccination and comparing the refusal to be vaccinated with the sin of murder.
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.