Ecumenical Patriarch: Coronavirus is not transmitted by Holy Communion

·

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday expressed his view that there is no danger of becoming infected by the coronavirus from receiving Holy Communion.

The Patriarch was officiating a Divine Liturgy at the Athonite St Panteleimon’s monastery in Galatas, Constantinople, when he congratulated the faithful for partaking in the sacrament.

“You already know that there has been a debate lately about Holy Communion,” the Patriarch began in his sermon.

“We firmly believe that there is no danger of contracting the coronavirus in receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord. That is why we, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, have not changed the way Holy Communion is being offered.”

Πατριαρχική χοροστασία στο Μετόχιο της Ι.Μονής Αγίου Παντελεήμονος Αγίου Όρους, στον Γαλατά της Πόλεως, για την εορτή της μνήμης του Αγίου Παντελεήμονος κατά το Ιουλιανό ημερολόγιο.

Posted by Ecumenical Patriarchate on Sunday, 9 August 2020

Bartholomew also addressed the faithful of Russian descent who, despite the decisions of the Russian Orthodox Church to sever full Communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, came to participate in the celebrations for St Panteleimon.

“To honor the memory of St Panteleimon, who is a great doctor, and today, as we are going through a difficult period with the pandemic, we need Agios Panteleimon and all the Holy Anargyros doctors much more than ever. We ask St. Panteleimon to protect us from the dangers of COVID-19, the coronavirus,” he said.

The Russian Orthodox Church has, to this day, been the only church to follow its own path, introducing the use of different spoons, which would be disinfected with alcohol before and after the offering of Holy Communion to each of the faithful.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek film festival turns 30 with a Stellar Line-Up of Award-Winning films

The Greek Film Festival is celebrating a major anniversary this year - 30 years of bringing Greek stories to Australian screens.

Summer School for Greek Language teachers in Australia

For the first time in Australia, a specialized online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

Children’s week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Children’s Week the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools are taking part in the celebrations organised by the Victorian Government

Get Online Week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Get Online Week 2025, the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria will proudly join Good Things Foundation’s national campaign.

St Benedict School in Mt Torrens rejects screens, embraces ancient Greek philosophy

Established in early 2024 by members of the Catholic Church of the Holy Name, St Benedict has grown to around 50 students.

You May Also Like

Sydney memorial service set to honour Cyprus War of Independence heroes

SEKA, the Cyprus Hellene Club Ltd and the Cyprus Community of NSW will host a Memorial Service to commemorate Cyprus National Day.

1821 Scholarships take centre stage at UNSW Hellenic Studies fundraiser

The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at UNSW held a fundraising dinner dance at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah, Sydney on 5 April 2025.

Cyprus’ Labor Minister, Zeta Emilianidou, dies at the age of 68

Cyprus' Labor and Social Insurance Minister, Zeta Emilianidou, passed away on Monday in Athens at the age of 68.