Posted on 04/05/2020 6:56:44 PM PDT by marshmallow
All parishes and monasteries in Georgia will remain open for Palm Sunday and Pascha, His Holiness Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II wrote in an address published on the official site of the Georgian Patriarchate on Wednesday.
Any person, at the time of a trial, seeks for deliverance and consolation, His Holiness said. Today, when a new infection that has spread throughout the world threatens the life of the population, it is natural that parishioners would place special hopes in the Lord and be drawn to church.
For believers, spiritual food is just as important and necessary as physical food; therefore, it is impossible to close the doors of the churches, and they will be open for those who want to come to Church, to receive Gods grace and be spiritually strengthened, His Holiness message reads.
There is presently a quarantine regime in Georgia, prohibiting gatherings of more than three people in public places.
"Given the current situation, I would like to address you, our spiritual children, and give you the following advice: Follow the appropriate instructions; observe the established distance while near to other people, including in church or in the church yard; during the Divine Liturgy (and other services), only clergymen should remain in the church, while a limited number of parishioners are allowed to join them in large cathedrals, though it is generally recommended that parishioners remain in the church yard, the statement reads.
Clergy may also serve the Liturgy in the courtyard of their church. The elderly and sick are especially advised to stay at home.
(Excerpt) Read more at orthochristian.com ...
To make it perfectly clear: This is the nation of Georgia.
NOT the southern US State!
Well, you nipped that in the bud, even before I could think of something snide to post. ;-D
What a kill-joy.
You mean I nipped it in the peachtree bud.
The pollen is killing us here in Georgia. The air looks green or yellow.
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