His Grace Bishop Neofitos of the Diocese of Nyeri and Mt Kenya has expressed his concerns over Covid-19 and Holy Communion.
«Since we were invaded or attacked by the Covid -19 Pandemic (Corona
Virus), there have been a great concern amongst the Orthodox faithful on
matters health on how to receive holy communion. Of course you all know
that we commune from the same common cup (chalice) and receive or
distribute using one spoon to the faithful. Since the spread of the
virus the ministry of health have advised that such practice pauses a
health risk to the faithful because the virus contagious and
communicable as well. Now the question; what do we do??!
I have learned that the Orthodox church of Austria have temporarily
resolved to go back to the typikon of St. James of receiving holy
communion ! Is this the way to go? Could be!
In as much as this is a good spiritual remedy, or development worth
consideration in terms its pastoral application from the Orthodox church
of Austria, it therefore demands a theological consensus going into to
the future for the sake of the unity of ecclessia and communion of the
saints! It was actually brought up at the council in Crete 2016, but it
was not exhausted. Therefore, It is time we revisit not only because of
Covid-19 pandemic but being mindful of the now and the future. If a
consensus is reached that binds and not divides then a major 21st
century theological challenge will have been addressed.
Receiving Communion from one spoon and one chalice (cup) especially
in Africa where we are susceptible to various types of communicable
diseases is becoming a great concern and a threat to human health
because of our geographical setting and seldom advancement in healthcare
and disease treatment. The question is; If only shaking hands is being
prohibited how about eating and drinking from the same?
While addressing this spiritual phenomenon about receiving communion
from the same spoon and drinking from the same cup (chalice), it must be
made clear that; what is contained in the chalice and what is received
from the spoon in Faith and the fear of God is holy and truly the
precious blood and body of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The
question is about the health of the one who receives? How healthy is
he/she? Of which some may not be even aware! For example, humanly
speaking, Do you deny someone who has wounds on his mouth to receive
holy communion? If the answer is no, then, are you not risking yourself
and others at the same time? Because the same spoon will be returned
back into the chalice for communing the rest of the faithful.
Am sure if Christ was physically present, he would have given a
solution because he is a solution in himself. Well,he has charged us
with his responsibility ofcourse.
The Orthodox church in Africa, and not africa alone, the whole
Orthodox world I believe must urgently address this spiritual concern
before it becomes a dilemma. As Bishop’s in Africa, these are tough
questions we are asked every day and answered are needed because the
church must move forward. Wisdom let us attend!»
orthodoxia news agencySource