25 March 2020 - 17:16
President
of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation with the heads of
churches about the safety of Easter celebration and holding worship
services given the spread of COVID-19. He told this to the RSA heads and
mayors of the regional centers during the conference call.
“Church leaders understand that worship can be conducted online, as a
video conference. If a ceremony requires the presence of people, then
the number of parishioners must be limited. All church leaders agree
with this,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The parties considered the possibility of placing patrols near
temples and churches. In the event of a large crowd of people, they
should talk to the parishioners and explain that it is dangerous to
gather not only for themselves, but also for the health of those around
them.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed that there is an agreement with the
heads of churches to involve their representatives in the regional
headquarters on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in case of a
necessity.
However, the President stressed, the most difficult issue is still the Easter holidays.
“Easter usually gathers many people in the church. Among them are
those who came from abroad. So now we are preparing and will soon
present the Easter at Home project, which will help celebrate this great
holiday at home without gathering in crowds in churches,” the Head of
State said.