Contradicting government measures and guidelines issued by the Holy Synod, two Greek churches conducted services and offered Holy Communion to parishioners, despite the coronavirus-imposed ban.
The incidents took place at St Nicholas Church in Koukaki, Athens and at St Spyridon Church in Corfu on Sunday 12 April.
Soon after the violations became known, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias contacted the Minister of Justice Kostas Tsiaras and asked that a request is put forward for investigations.
Public prosecution authorities have already moved procedures for the two separate allegations.
In his statement, Mr. Hardalias condemned the events.
“What happened today in churches in Koukaki and Corfu was in violation of the legislation and the orders given by the Holy Synod and it puts the lives of citizens as well as public health itself in great danger.”
Photos from the Koukaki service that were obtained by Greek media outlets, show the parish priest offering Holy Communion to the faithful at the back exit of the church premises.
The incident also prompted an announcement by the Archdiocese of Athens stating an investigation has been launched and “immediate appropriate action” will be taken.
“The Holy Synod faithfully follows all instructions and guidelines issued by the relevant state authorities aiming for an effective response to the coronavirus pandemic,” an excerpt from the announcement reads.
In Corfu, according to local media, attending the service were also local government representatives.
Please note this podcast is in Greek.
