Posted on 03/27/2020 5:42:38 PM PDT by marshmallow
Residents of St. Petersburg, Russia, are prohibited from visiting religious sites from March 28 to April 5 according to new measures aimed at containing the quickly-spreading coronavirus.
The decree signed by city Governor Alexander Beglov yesterday prohibits “individuals from visiting objects (territories) of religious organizations, with the exception of the clergy and religious personnel of the given religious organizations.”
However, the Russian Church has responded that the Russian constitution and law do not provide Beglov with such powers.
Responding to the new decree, the Legal Department of the ROC states that:
In the Russian Federation, freedom of conscience and freedom of religion are [constitutionally] guaranteed, including the right to celebrate the Divine services individually or jointly with others, and other religious rites and ceremonies.
The right of man and citizen to freedom of conscience and freedom of religion can be restricted in order to protect the health of citizens only by federal law.
Other acts of government bodies (including acts of government bodies of constituent entities of the Russian Federation and municipal bodies) may not restrict freedom of conscience and freedom of religion, including the right of citizens to visit religious sites in order to participate in the Divine services, as such acts do not have the status of federal law.
And, according to a statement from the St. Petersburg Metropolia yesterday, services in the city will continue.
The statement begins by noting that, “for the sake of pastoral care of people … while maintaining a firm faith in the work of God’s good providence and in Divine omnipotence,” special measures have already been taken since March 19, including the disinfecting of churches.
However, this pastoral care means ministering to all people: “The pastoral duty of the clergy must be fulfilled in relation to all believers, including those who believe......
(Excerpt) Read more at orthochristian.com ...
Constitution of the Russian Federation was adopted by national referendum on December 12, 1993. Russia's constitution came into force on December 25, 1993,
That should be interesting.
Good!
I don’t want to get into trouble, but, I wish the Roman Church had the same courage. Good on them.
Even Stalin kept the Churches open during WWII.
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
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