Sputnik
The churches of Greece held mass prayers on the occasion of the Epiphany celebration in the presence of the faithful, despite the authorities’ ban, but the police did not intervene to enforce the observance of the order.
In an earlier period, the Greek Church had agreed with the police to close churches and temples during the Epiphany, to prevent the gathering of citizens.
But the Holy Synod rejected the decision and instructed the churches to keep the doors open to the faithful, and only bless the water inside the temple, without any cross marches outside, and without the blessing of open waters.
It is known that the Greek authorities prohibit the presence of more than 25 people in the church, and more than 50 people in the cathedral, so the faithful stood waiting for their turn.
Media reported that Bishop of Kalavryta was fined for blessing water on the open air, and two young men were arrested in Thessaloniki, for throwing a cross into the sea as a sign of reverence.
Source: Novosti
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