His Eminence Archbishop Makarios: From today our churches will remain closed to the faithful

·

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios has released a statement this afternoon stating that “all public worship in churches” will be suspended from today due to the “extraordinary measures taken by the Federal Government of Australia to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.”

Whilst this means that all churches will remain closed to the faithful until an unspecified time, His Eminence stresses that all services, feast days of the Saints and the Divine Liturgies will continue to be conducted by the Priest and chanter.

“Sacraments and funerals will continue to take place but only in the presence of the immediate family members,” the statement reads.

His Eminence also asks the faithful to show “understanding, unity and confidence” during this difficult time.

“I call upon you all to pray more. I ask that you place your trust in God. It is a trial that we are experiencing, but we Orthodox know very well that after the Crucifixion comes the Resurrection,” His Eminence added.

“There is need for patience, unity and collaboration. Resurrection will come soon.”

The move comes after The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople issued an announcement on Wednesday suspending all “religious ceremonies, events and rites” at churches globally and allowing only individual prayer, in a bid to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

Read the full statement here:

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic at a crossroads: Damon Hanlin on Belmore, finances and the future

As construction threatens its home, Sydney Olympic enters a new era - chasing stability, respect and results on the national stage.

Cypriot community gathers in Sydney to mark 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus

The Cyprus Community of NSW hosted a special commemoration on Sunday, marking 65 years since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus.

Sydney’s Lemnian community marks 113 years since the liberation of Lemnos

The Lemnian Association of Sydney and New South Wales “Maroula” marked the 113th anniversary of the liberation of Lemnos.

Pan-Macedonian Association marks 42 years of Dimitria Festival in Sydney

With full formality, the Macedonian celebrations “Dimitria” began on Sunday, October 5, 2025. This year marks the 42nd consecutive year.

Australian Embassy in Athens hosts book launch on Australia’s first Greek female settler

The Australian Embassy in Athens hosted the launch of Η Πρώτη Έποικος (The First Settler) on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.

You May Also Like

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Celebrating 20 years: Nia Karteris and the legacy of Greek Fest Darling Harbour

Nia Karteris has been steering the cultural extravaganza that is the Greek Fest at Darling Harbour since 2003. Read more here.

White Pearl Foundation to honour women dedicated to brain cancer treatment with Breakfast for Brain Cancer event

The White Pearl Foundation is dedicated to raising money for brain cancer research and will be holding a Breakfast for Brain Cancer event on Tuesday 3 March 2020 at the Le Montage - Marquee Room in Lilyfield, NSW.