St. Petersburg, 8 April. Temples should be open even during an epidemic. This was stated by the rector of the parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, priest Stefan Catinel, correspondent Federal News Agency.
The Patriot media group on Wednesday held an online press conference “Religion in the era of self-isolation”. Catinel noted, what's a pandemic like, what is observed now, It never happened.
“100 years ago there was a Spanish flu epidemic... But churches were open there and masses were celebrated”, - he added.
The priest is counting, that in the current situation churches should be open, and parishioners have the opportunity to confess and receive communion. According to him, believers are very worried, especially the older generation.
"Grandmothers are calling, they even cry: "How so?». Everyone is used to, to go to temple, bless food, be at holy mass, take communion, confess", - he concluded.
According to the latest data, More than eight thousand cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded in Russia, 580 people recovered, 63 have passed away. The authorities decided to suspend passenger traffic with other countries, and the regions switched to self-isolation mode. Only continuous cycle enterprises continue to operate, medical institutions and pharmacies, rescue and law enforcement agencies, as well as organizations in the field of housing and communal services and life support.
Earlier, State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov supported the idea of holding Easter online. he noted, that older people and people with illnesses should not risk their health.
Author: Olga Timoshina
