The Archdiocese of Athens distributed thousands of parcels containing food and basic necessities yesterday to families in need.
Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens blessed the parcels blessed that parcels as they were given out to approximately 10,000 families. The charitable act followed an initiative of the General Philoptochos Fund and the Apostoli charity of the Archdiocese of Athens.
Speaking to reporters, Archbishop Ieronymos said the Church and the state have a good relationship.
When asked to comment about people receiving Holy Communion at the weekend at a church on the island of Corfu and one in Athens, despite the ban on people gathering at churches, Ieronymos said, “Holy Communion is not being discussed.”
“It is different to people congregating,” he said, without further elaborating.
Read More: Priests under investigation in Greece after offering Holy Communion to the faithful amid lockdown
Deputy Minister of Civil Protection, Nikos Hardalias, said the actions of the priests were a clear violation of the coronavirus lockdown.
“What happened today in churches in Koukaki and Corfu is a violation of the law and of the Holy Synod’s orders, and put the lives of citizens and public health in great danger,” Mr Hardalias said in a statement.
The move comes after the Greek government banned the public from church, with only a maximum of five people allowed inside to conduct religious services. This includes the priest, chanters and assistants.
