BBC: In Georgia, Worshippers are Still Able to Attend Churches

BBC has responded to the celebration of Easter in Georgia amid coronavirus pandemic. 

"The world's Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter - the most important festival in their calendar, amid a series of restrictions and bans. Officials in Europe, the Middle East and Africa urged people not to attend services, fearing this would lead to a spike in coronavirus infections.

"However, in Georgia, worshippers are still able to attend churches," reads the article published on April 19. 

The publication further mentions that this year, the traditional Holy Fire ceremony went ahead in a near-deserted Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

The church was closed last month and only a handful of Orthodox clergy, some of them wearing black masks, were allowed in for the ceremony on Saturday.

However, despite all these restrictions imposed throughout the world, Georgia's case is still different, notes the author Rayhan Demytrie, explaining the reasons and circumstances behind this difference. 

"It's never been this quiet in Tbilisi. The government has banned the movement of all private cars ahead of Easter Sunday. Cemeteries, which Georgians traditionally visit on Easter Monday, are also shut. Those violating the state of emergency law, which among other restrictions bans gatherings of more than three people, face hefty fines of almost £800 ($1,000; €900).

"And yet many Georgians are questioning why the government made an exception for the Orthodox Church. Thousands have continued to worship freely in churches across the country since the crisis began. The Church has refused to adapt its customs. Priests continue to give Holy Communion with a shared spoon. At least two priests have already tested positive for COVID-19. But the Easter midnight service went ahead. Parishioners were welcomed at Tbilisi's Sameba Cathedral despite a curfew. The country's health authorities have pleaded with people to listen to the science for the sake of their country," notes the author. 

The author further notes that earlier this month Bishop Shio Mujiri, the Patriarch's chosen successor, gave Holy Communion with a shared spoon. 

Author: Rayhan Demytrie

Source: BBC 

Read the full article here

Image: EPA