NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America initiated a special teleconference of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America which evaluated the new developments and issued new directives to the parishes throughout the United States. It was the second teleconference recent days.
The National Herald has learned that some of the Metropolitans insisted for the closure of the parishes, but Archbishop Elpidophoros said that cannot be done, but instead the issue should be approached with prudence, discretion and according to the directives of the local Authorities. The Archbishop continues his personal schedule with caution. The only Metropolitan who departed from the general consensus of the Eparchial Synod was Nathanael of Chicago, who studied the History and Ethics of Public Health at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Metropolitan Nathanael ordered the closing of all the parishes of the Metropolis of Chicago.
It was also decided that the regular spring meeting of the Eparchial Synod which had been scheduled to take place on March 18 at the Archdiocese headquarters in New Work would be postponed because many hierarchs expressed fears about travelling from their cities to New York.
The Eparchial Synod issued the following announcement:
“The Holy Eparchial Synod convened via a teleconference to continue assessing the spread of COVID-19, commonly known as Corona Virus, and decided the following:
1) For the benefit and protection of the faithful, and taking into account the recent scientific findings, we advise our faithful not to be exposed in places of public assembly (including attending church) during the next few weeks. We recognize that this is an unprecedented situation and one that calls upon each of us to take steps to protect our fellow parishioners and larger communities. During this time, if anyone wishes not to come to church, the Holy Archdiocese extends this blessing, as such a decision is not a sin, but an act of love and responsibility for the protection of one’s self and their fellow human beings. We encourage the faithful to participate in the experience of sacred worship at home, on TV, or using multimedia platforms.
2) We are obligated to abide by the regulations of the Local and State governments, as stringent as they may be, in an effort to support public health efforts.
3) Each Metropolitan has a duty to make necessary decisions for the protection of the faithful in accordance with the public health mandates and the local restrictions regarding public assembly and other protocols.”
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