Metropolitan Symeon of Fthiotida once again pointed out the criticality of the situation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Metropolitan Symeon described the situation as very serious and called on the faithful to restrict their transportations.
“The situation is not funny. It is very serious. We are in an alarm
state. Stay at home as long as you can, restrict your transportations,”
he says, while asking people to meet the strict hygienic rules, and
respect the instructions of the scientists.
In his circular note he adds that “My suggestion to all of you is
simple. Be careful, follow the instructions given by scientists and pray
with all your heart,” Metropolitan Symeon emphasizes, while stressing
that “at this time, let us embrace one another mentally. Once the
tsunami is over, we will warmly and immediately embrace each other.”
Metropolitan of Fthiotida announced in this context that visits to
the institutions of the Metropolis would stop, Sunday schools, the
parent school and the school of Byzantine music would close and
excursions would also stop until March 29.
He suspends his personal appointments “until the ordeal passes,” and
calls on priests belonging to the vulnerable groups of the population
“to limit their activities to the minimum and necessary” while those who
are likely to show symptoms “are advised to stay at home, strictly
follow the instructions and contact their doctor.”
Finally, Metropolitan Symeon cancels the concelebration planned to be
held for the feast of the Saints of Fthiotida, suspends regional
hierarcal gatherings, and changes the program of the Salutations to the
Theotokos (as the Metropolitan was scheduled to celebrate in small
churches in Lamia) for reasons related to the mass of events.
*with information from ANA-MPA