Dear brothers and sisters,
We all live together in this time of pandemic that has introduced a state we have not experienced so far. We seek a common effort to come out of this state with as few losses as possible, primarily human lives, but also all general and civil society challenges.
We believe you are well acquainted with the pandemic situation in the United Kingdom and recommend you follow a the policy set by the National Health Service on how to behave and what measures to take to protect yourself and others.
We also believe that you are worried about how the Serbian Orthodox Church in the homeland and around the world will carry this problem.
Cooperation in the suppression of coronavirus is a moral obligation for all. We are required to raise our responsibility and dedication especially during worship in parish churches across the UK and the Republic of Ireland during this period.
Therefore, we strongly recommend:
- Reduce contact with sacred objects and people (including priests) to the smallest amount. Please give your respect using metanoia only.
- Believers who have flu symptoms or are in a risky group due to age or underlying health conditions are to refrain from coming to church. We recommend talking to a priest who will advise on what to do in the best way possible.
- Priests and departments of the church municipalities will take other necessary steps to meet the elevated hygiene requirements in the Holy Temples around the world by following our Orthodox traditions.
Parish sunday schools and folklore groups plus church restaurants are suspended until further notice including all work and activities.
We urge the faithful to contact their priests for all their spiritual needs, who will advise them on everything and help in every way possible, and primarily in connection with the occasion of the emerging circumstances. This is a time when we should show solidarity and love for everyone, especially towards our elderly parishioners who require help.
If the UK declares the strictest measures for the protection of citizens, our church will notify you with a new statement on how to proceed.
We pray to the Lord to give everyone patience, goodwill, and strength, especially health care and trade workers.
Be in the prayer of the Lord and not in fear and panic because the Lord of Christ “beats the world and death” and “every man of our power”. Let us use this moment to face isolation and spend quality time with our families and be helpful to others.
In anticipation of the Holy Resurrection of Christ