"The measures that the church takes are scientifically based": how in the Russian Orthodox Church they fight the spread of coronavirus

- What measures does the Russian Orthodox Church take to combat the spread of coronavirus infection?

- The Russian Orthodox Church has developed and adopted instructions for rectors of parishes and farmsteads, abbesses and abbesses in connection with the threat of the spread of coronavirus infection. This is a comprehensive document that contains a set of sanitary and epidemiological standards and requirements, the implementation of which in the parishes will allow all people who attend services to feel safe. I would like to say that the most important thing for both believers and unbelievers is not to panic. It is necessary to maintain sanity, calmness, observe reasonable requirements and not bring to the absurdity the reality of the threat of infection with this disease.

- Have quarantine measures been introduced for clergy, temple staff and parishioners?

- Our recommendations are very simple: if a person is sick, he should think not only about himself, but also about the safety of the people around him. When symptoms of any infectious disease appear, do not endanger the infection of others. In this case, the cleric or layman is better off staying home for the love of his neighbor. Those parishioners who are ill and need an urgent visit to the clergyman have the opportunity to invite the priest home. In this case, the threat of the spread of any infection, including coronavirus, is nullified.

- Do you use this opportunity? How many people in quarantine call the priest home?

- It is clear that a short time has passed and the statistics are not generalized, but, I think, this is very reasonable and many believers will take this opportunity. The clergyman visits the sick and healthy at home, and follows the preventive measures that are provided for. There is also the possibility of communion for those in the infectious diseases hospital. By agreement with the hospital administration, this is done in a safe manner.

- Have there already been cases when citizens who have identified a coronavirus and who are in the hospital turned to priests?

- We have not registered such cases, but I can declare with all responsibility that no clergyman will deny a person who is in the infectious diseases hospital the opportunity to join the sacraments of the church. It has always been so.

- Let's talk about precautions. For example, do priests and parishioners measure the temperature at the entrance to the temple?

- If necessary, temperature measurements can be taken. For example, in the synodal institution, where I work in the department of interaction with society and the media, temperature is measured by employees. People who feel unwell remain at home on sick leave or can work remotely.

I think the opportunity to measure the temperature of parishioners exists. Any measures take time to be put in place.

- In Moscow, St. Petersburg and other large cities of Russia, a ban has been introduced on holding mass events of more than 50 people. Does this ban affect church events?

“I am not aware of a ban on worship.” I think that the measures that have already been taken are sufficient so that worship does not become an additional risk of the spread of infection. Moreover, historically the church also served in more serious epidemics that led to millions of victims. And even in this case, when the level of sanitary and hygienic well-being and prevention was much lower, churches never became a factor of mass infection. Including in Soviet times, churches did not close during epidemics.

- It turns out that the church does not comply with the orders of local authorities?

- The ban that I saw relates to leisure activities. I do not know about the rules that would imply a ban on worship, including in churches where more than 50 people gather.

- Many users of social networks are bewildered by the fact that, despite quarantine measures, parishioners continue to queue for relics, attach themselves to icons, and thereby possibly contribute to the spread of the virus. Do you think it makes sense to prohibit such events? Are you sure that rubbing with alcohol after touching the icon saves from coronavirus?

- I think that the measures that the church is taking are scientifically based. Disinfection will undoubtedly help to ensure that there are no additional risks for the spread of the virus. I would like to draw attention to the fact that, for example, much more people are concentrated in the metro and public transport. I would also like to emphasize that attending church and participating in the sacraments of the church is for all believers a question of their spiritual condition, a question, if you will, of their salvation. Toughening preventive measures is not necessary, since there is no understanding that worship is not some additional factor in the spread of infection.

—Were special modes of worship introduced in churches of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad — in countries where the state of emergency was introduced?

- The experience is diverse. As far as I know, in the UK there are no restrictions at all. I know that in any countries where there are parishes of our church, they try as much as possible to follow the reasonable measures that come from the government of these states. These measures are very serious, unprecedented. The Church is always attentive to rationally substantiated requirements concerning all aspects of her life, starting with sanitary and epidemiological well-being and ending with fire safety.

- To the question of other countries, how is it planned to hold Easter events in Israel?

- All measures are temporary. Let's wait for the approach of Easter, and then we will discuss it.

- Does the Russian Orthodox Church plan to conduct divine services and other events for parishioners in the online format in the event of a worsening epidemiological situation or the introduction of an emergency in Russia? Are there any developments in this area? Can the church continue to work online? Does the ROC have such an opportunity at all?

- We have churches from which worship is broadcasted - this is aimed at people who cannot personally attend churches, for example, due to disability. However, I think that most of our believers prefer to personally attend temples. For them, this is part of their life and, given that security measures are sufficient, our believers prefer to come to the temple.

- Many people today are quarantined, they can’t attend church on the orders of the leadership, even when they are healthy. There are also those who have returned from Europe, who are also in quarantine. Is it advisable to organize online broadcasting of events for this category of people?

- For those who are in a situation of compulsory quarantine and there are broadcasts, they can be found on the Internet.