The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church views with concern the spread of coronavirus infection in the world and its consequences for millions of people, many of whom have not only faced the threat of infection but have also experienced the social and economic consequences of this phenomenon.
The members of the Holy Synod express their condolences to the relatives and loved ones of the victims of this disease in China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, Spain and other countries.
Blessed before the Lord are the labors of doctors and volunteers who develop and implement medical and preventive measures aimed at helping the sick and preventing the further spread of the disease.
In times of epidemics the Russian Orthodox Church has always carried out its ministry of witness, denying no one spiritual care and full participation in Her Sacraments. We call for restraint and for preserving sober-mindedness and prayerful calm, and we note that a believer should not give in to panic and fears connected with the spread of unverified information about the infection.
At the same time, it is unacceptable to treat the coronavirus infection lightly, to neglect medical instructions or to ignore preventive measures, thereby exposing oneself and others to the danger of infection.
The Holy Synod considers it important that sanitary and hygienic preventive measures be consistently and strictly observed in parishes and monasteries, especially in those regions where the epidemiological situation has been officially recognized as serious, including the wider use of sanitizing solutions to disinfect icon cases venerated by the faithful, and the use of disposable cups for the drink after Communion.
If the coronavirus infection spreads in a particular region, additional preventive measures may be applied in agreement with the church hierarchy.
The Holy Synod calls on the archpastors, pastors, monastics and laity of the Russian Orthodox Church to intensify prayer for the overcoming of the disease and for strength to be granted to the doctors fighting it.