Orthodox believers who plan to pray at the Christmas service must observe the mask regime and social distance, said the deputy head of the Synodal Department ROC on the relationship of the Church with society and the media Vakhtang Kipshidze a>. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti .
“It is a Christian imperative to take care of the health of others. Despite criticism regarding the effectiveness of masks, even if there is a small chance that masks can protect someone, this opportunity must be taken advantage of,” he said. Kipshidze also called on everyone who feels signs of illness to stay at home.
Earlier, the head of the Synodal Department for External Church Relations, Metropolitan Hilarion urged older people to refuse from visiting temples on Christmas due to the risk of contracting coronavirus infection. At the same time, he assured that there is an opportunity for the elderly to receive Holy Communion at home.