Greek Minister admits early lockdown calls were ignored ‘out of respect for traditions and religion’

·

Τhe Greek government admitted on Tuesday that it ignored the epidemiologists’ proposals for early lockdown in Thessaloniki in October “out of respect for traditions and religion.”

Speaking to Skai TV, Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis admitted that because of their decision, “we mourned many victims.”

The Greek government recently clashed with the Greek Church concerning the new lockdown restrictions for the Epiphany festival, which is observed as an enormous cultural celebration.

In response, the government said the law on coronavirus protection measures does not apply at will.

Adonis Georgiades.

“We hope that the Church will realise the urgency of the moment for society, as it has done so far responsibly. The implementation of prevention and precautionary measures is an obligation but also an act of social solidarity and responsibility for all of us,” the government said in a statement.

Speaking to Skai TV, Georgiadis said the government did not want to repeat the mistake it committed in Thessaloniki when the faithful flocked to churches to celebrate the Patron of the city St Demetrios, on October 26.

“Some infectious disease specialists told us that there should be a quarantine in Thessaloniki before the feast of Agios Dimitrios,” the minister said.

“Out of respect for tradition, Orthodoxy and faith, we did not quarantine before the feast of St. Demetrius, I remind you that this was the main mistake made in Thessaloniki, and the Prime Minister admitted it in Parliament,” Georgiadis pointed out.

“On that day, the faithful gathered, the church could not control the influx, and then Thessaloniki became the city that mourned the most victims.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Comic author Peter Barber and his Greek Orthodox Easter ‘adventures’

Award-winning British author Peter Barber writes books about… Greece. So far, he has published five books about his second, or first, home!

Peter Dutton MP’s Easter message: Honouring faith and the Greek Australian legacy

Australia’s Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, has issued a message to Greek communities to mark Orthodox Easter today.

Anthony Albanese MP praises Greek community in heartfelt Easter message

Federal Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, has sent a message to mark Orthodox Easter this year. Read the full message here.

High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia sends heartfelt Easter wishes

High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, sends a message for Orthodox Easter.

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad sends message for Orthodox Easter

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos, has issued a message for Orthodox Easter.

You May Also Like

Kyriakos Mitsotakis sworn in as Greece’s PM with promise of ‘big reforms’

Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as Greece's Prime Minister for a second term on Monday, after his party achieved a landslide victory.

Effy Alexakis and Yanni Dramitinos’ ‘Face off: Portraits’ exhibition launch overflows

Luna Studio Art Gallery played host to the launch of the photography exhibition, 'Face off: Portraits' by Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos

Greece working with UNESCO to help protect Afghanistan’s cultural heritage

Greece is working with UNESCO and the European Union to help protect the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul.