The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has released an official statement on the sacrament of Holy Communion, recommending that “all the faithful adhere to the official directives of the World Health Organization” and the laws of the country they live in.
The Patriarchate’s statement does not take a direct position for or against the action of taking communion or whether or not the virus can be transmitted via the common spoon and cup.
Whilst it does encourage the faithful to comply with all the health guidelines provided by WHO, it also says that “Holy Communion is ‘the antidote to mortality’ and remains firm in its Orthodox teaching regarding the Holy Eucharist.”
The statement comes as a response to calls to stop Holy Communion in fear that it would spread the virus.
Earlier this week, The Greek Orthodox Church in Greece released their own statement reiterating the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s commitment to the holy sacrament.
“The Church will continue celebrating communion in the certainty that we (thus) commune with life and immortality.”
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