Epiphany celebrated with strict covid measures, no outdoor blessing of the waters

The private meeting of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Archbishop Ieronymos seems to have played a catalytic role in easing the tension between the government and the Church on the occasion of the Epiphany. In a circular sent by Archbishop Ieronymos to the metropolitans of the whole country, he calls for "the strict observance of the sanitary measures regarding the operation of the Holy Temples in the presence of a certain number of believers".

In fact, the relevant announcement of the Holy Synod points out that "as decided by the Permanent Holy Synod, on the Feast of the Epiphany the Great Sanctification with the sanctification of the waters will be performed inside the Holy Temples and there will be no liturgies, processions or rites outdoors ".

In addition, it is reported that "for this purpose and wanting to set a good example", Archbishop Ieronymos decided not to use the relevant authorization, which he received from the Holy Synod, and not to go to any sea area.

However, the churches opened their gates for the faithful, according to the strict restrictive measures, ie the obligatory use of a mask inside the temples, one believer per 15 sq.m. with distances of 2 meters between the attendees, maximum number of believers in the holy temples 25 people and in the metropolitan seats 50.

Also, Archbishop Ieronymos gave explicit orders to the pastors of the churches of the Archdiocese to finish the Divine Liturgy of the Epiphanies by 8:30 in the morning and to have only one Liturgy.

Regarding the observance of the measures, Greek police had today a discreet presence with mild policing outside temples, and audible messages to avoid overcrowding. As sources of the Police Headquarters pointed out, they did not want to have confrontations with the citizens due to the day, but they expect everyone to observe the measures to avoid overcrowding. In fact, the police are in contact with the hierarchs in order to ensure that the prescribed measures are observed by all parties.

Both in Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as in other major cities of the country such as Patras and Larissa, the temples were opened for the celebration of the Epiphany, observing the measures that have been decided.

In the Diocese of Athens, during the service of the Epiphany, Archbishop Ieronymos officiated and arrived at the church without making any statements. In the Diocese, the number of believers inside the church was limited, while everyone followed the rules.