Easter church services to be held behind closed doors in Greece

·

Following a teleconference on Wednesday, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has announced that Easter services will be held behind closed doors without a congregation as of Palm Sunday on April 12.

Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos said the services will be attended by the minimum number of clergy and chanters, with all expected to declare “on their honour” that they are asymptomatic.

“These services must be broadcast live on TV, radio and the internet,” Archbishop Ieronymos added.

In a statement following the four hour conference, the Holy Synod also urged worshippers to stay at home and comply with the lockdown imposed by the state to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece held a teleconference to discuss Easter church services. Source: Christos Bonis | Church of Greece.

The move comes after the Greek government originally ordered the suspension of all church services, allowing churches to remain open for private prayer only.

But Education and Religious Affairs Minister, Niki Kerameus, had indicated in recent days that it would consider allowing services to take place behind closed doors and be broadcast for worshippers to follow from home. 

READ MORE: Greek government suspends all services of religious worship

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Albania appoints ethnic Greek as prefect of the Vlora district

On Wednesday, March 13, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama appointed Vangjel Tavo, an ethnic Greek, as the prefect of Vlora district. 

United Nations: Rights violations against asylum seekers at Turkish-Greek border must stop

UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Felipe González Morales, has called on Greece to take 'immediate action' to end the violence against migrants and asylum seekers.

Gangland-style shooting in Athens leaves six dead

Six men have been killed in a violent shooting that occurred on Monday, September 11, in East Attica, Athens. Read more.