RUSSIA RELIGION NEWS


Orthodox churches in St. Petersburg still open

SERVICES ARE CONTINUING: METROPOLITANATE EXPLAINS HOW SPb. CHURCHES ARE OPERATING DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

Doors of almost all Saint Petersburg churches are open.

Due to coronavirus one cannot access only St. Isaac's and Savior on the Blood.

But they will not be working only until 5 April 2020.

by Evgenia Moskvina

Komsomolskaia Pravda, 30 March 2020

 

During the nonworking week, which will last until 5 April, parishioners in St. Petersburg [SPb] will not be able to go to services in the St. Isaac's and Savior on the Blood cathedrals. Following the measures for combating the coronavirus and the order of the governor, the monument museums decided not to admit visitors for now. The metropolitanate explained how the churches are working in St. Petersburg until 5 April 2020.

 

There is only one change. In all churches, disinfection has been intensified and the sacraments are being conducted in accordance with special instructions. For example, the blessed bread must be handled with gloves and kissing crosses has been annulled. In addition, parishioners have been notified about safety measures, particularly elderly people. At the same time, on Sunday, 29 March 2020, Patriarch Kirill urged Russians to refrain from visiting churches during the period of the coronavirus pandemic.

 

"Priests will not take upon themselves the responsibility of not letting people into the churches. Services are continuing and priests are required to conduct them. Without the liturgy, there is no church," the press service of the St. Petersburg metropolitanate noted.

 

We recall that on 26 March, a new order of the governor of the city came out regarding measures for combating the coronavirus. Among other things, the document introduced a ban on all residents of the city on visiting churches and other religious institutions (along with other mass events). There was exception only for ministers and church personnel. Of course, nobody has cancelled the services themselves. At the same time, St. Petersburgers are continuing to attend, although they are maintaining a distance. (tr. by PDS, posted 30 March 2020)


Russia Religion News Current News Items

Editorial disclaimer: RRN does not intend to certify the accuracy of information presented in articles. RRN simply intends to certify the accuracy of the English translation of the contents of the articles as they appeared in news media of countries of the former USSR.

If material is quoted, please give credit to the publication from which it came. It is not necessary to credit this Web page. If material is transmitted electronically, please include reference to the URL, http://www.stetson.edu/~psteeves/relnews/.