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The Committee of the Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Institutions (CROCEU) has published a press release
on the Coronavirus pandemic and its consequences on social, political
and spiritual level. They say it is a great trial and also a unique
opportunity to prove solidarity and change our lives.
The CROCEU members present their sincere condolences to the families who lost a member to Covid-19
and wish good health to those who are fighting the disease. Also, they
express their gratitude towards medical and social workers, who risk
their health to offer care and support.
“It is precisely in these acts that we find just as many concrete
expressions of an attitude and conduct of real solidarity that should in
fact guide us all: persons, institutions and – all the more – States”,
is mentioned in the press release.
“For the EU and its Member States, this is a critical occasion to
prove that the always and univocally cherished and much talked
about principle of European solidarity is more than a mere rhetorical
exercise. (…) We pray for, and call on, European leaders and citizens
alike not to miss this chance, by closing their hearts and their
borders, and turning their back to the States and people who currently
find themselves in the greatest distress.”
CROCEU members show their support for the strict measures imposed by
national authorities from across the EU, in order to slow down the
spread of the new Cornavirus. Nevertheless, they require a balanced
implementation, made by upholding “fundamental human rights so central
to the long-held European standards”: respect for private life,
religious freedom and freedom of movement and assembly.
This period should be for each of us an opportunity to reflect upon
our principles, convictions and behavior by questioning and even
changing them – by changing our very life, state the CROCEU members.
“Confined as we are into our homes, we might (re)discover our inner
selves, as well as the beauty and value of family life. Obliged to
impose limits on our buying behaviour, we could (re)discover the
difference between needs and wants and thus alter our over-consumeristic
behaviour. Unable to meet, hug and share time with our loved ones, we
might (re)discover our longing and inner desire for inter-personal
communion and love – a mirroring, for us Christians, of the tri-personal
God Who has created us in His image and likeness.”
“Not least, unable to partake into the sacramental life of the
Church, and especially so into the Divine Liturgy, we could (re)discover
anew, with greater awareness and genuine humbleness, the invaluable
gift of everlasting life that God is so generously offering us.”
The CROCEU members faithfully pray to the Resurrected Lord Jesus
Christ that He may enlighten scientists, health workers and political
leaders to find a speedy and auspicious solution to the current crisis
and that families “become a haven of peace in this time of trouble and
disarray”.
“We express our faith that He who is the source of life by trampling
down death by death will eventually cast out fear and will give joy to
His creation”, conclude the representatives of Orthodox Churches by the
EU.
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