Κυριακή 12 Απριλίου 2020

ARCHBISHOP NIKITAS OF THYATIRA SPEAKS TO TNH ABOUT CORONAVIRUS IN ENGLAND


 Τhe Νational Ηerald
Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain during the Service of Great Minima. (Announcement) at St. George Patriarchal Cathedral. Photo: Patriarchate-Nikos Manginas

ΒΟΣΤΟΝ. His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyatira and Great Britain in an exclusive interview with The National Herald called London “a ghost town.” He said, “people are afraid to go out; individuals do not trust governments and the news agencies.”
The entire interview follows:
The National Herald: Your Eminence please describe the coronavirus situation in London and generally in England?
Archbishop Nikitas: The situations in London and in England, in general, are the same as in most other large cities. I have used the expression “ghost town” to describe things. There is an atmosphere of uncertainty, as no one knows what will happen.  Churches and schools have closed, businesses and shops are not open, and long lines can be seen in banks, supermarkets, and other places. Along with the uncertainty about the future, there is an atmosphere of fear and distrust. People are afraid to go out; individuals do not trust governments and the news agencies; young people are afraid that there will be no jobs, positions, or future for them. To all these people, we try to offer hope – Jesus Christ.
TNH: Are there cases of infection among your faithful and priests in the parishes of the Archdiocese?
Archbishop Nikitas: Yes – we have had a number of cases, including two of the clergy, but they are doing quite well, thank God. We are not sure as to how many members of the community have the virus but I should also mention the fact that we have had a number of deaths in our community. Please remember that we are a large Archdiocese with over half a million faithful. The most notable situation, though, is the case of a doctor who is in the hospital with the virus, who contacted the priest and asked to receive Holy Communion.   speak about the situation, as this is a real testimony of faith and hope.  This doctor – a medical professional – is also a person who believes and who looked to Christ, the only answer to all the problems of the world.
TNH: You had recently a teleconference with the Religious Leaders of England. What were the basic conclusions?
Archbishop Nikitas:  The most important result of the meeting was to issue a message of hope to all the people of the United Kingdom. People seem to be losing hope and we are called to give assurance.  There are those who suffer from depression and isolation, we must assist them to face and overcome their issues. The other leaders listened as I spoke of the need to also help the clergy, who become tired, as they deal with all the crises, problems and issues of the others.
We also have begun sharing information – for example, where resources are available – food, housing for the homeless, and other useful information. For example, we are distributing food parcels and have selected three centers for this. We are also working together to address matters of legislation to see that basic needs are met by the government. There is strength in unity.
TNH: Did you talk about the upcoming Easter? Will the churches open or not?
Archbishop Nikitas: At this moment, we are not sure, as we have no clear directives. We will do as the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the UK Government direct us. We are hopeful that we will be able to open all the churches and we wait with this spirit in our hearts.
TNH: How does are the British People dealing with the pandemic
Archbishop Nikitas: I think, for the most part, that people here have followed the guidelines of the government. We hear the message repeated over and over – “Stay Home – Protect the NHS (National Health Service) – Save Lives.” Streets are empty, as are the hearts of many. But, in all this, one must look for what we can learn. For example, families can become closer and develop stronger relationships, especially parents and their children.
In all of this, we have seen the worst and the best in humanity. I would prefer not to speak of the worst aspects. But, I have seen young people delivering food to the elderly and isolated. I have seen people cleaning the streets and the sidewalks. I have heard of people who are giving up their salaries. And, in a matter of a few hours, hundreds of thousands of volunteers stepped forward to assist in the hospitals, care centers, and elsewhere.  What else could we ask for in these difficult times?