Russia: Patriarch Kirill urges worshippers to refrain from visiting churches amid coronavirus outbreak

W/S Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’, Moscow
M/S Congregation
SOT, Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’ (Russian): "Today we have to fight evil forces which attack our bodies and though them our souls. That is why I urge you, my dear ones, in the near future until special patriarchal blessing will be granted, to desist from visiting churches. If anyone says something against this, remind them of the deed of Mary of Egypt." *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Congregation
SOT, Patriarch Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’ (Russian): "With her [Mary’s] prayers, God keeps us from infections and from illnesses. But most important is: let us hope that her example of seclusion will make us understand the significance of solitude in our private deserts, in our flats. Let us share the deed of Mary of Egypt.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
W/S Patriarch Kirill
SOT, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’ (Russian): "During these very days in order for us to follow the example of Mary of Egypt we have to learn have to save ourselves in isolation. The most important thing is – to seek survival and not, excuse me, to idle like those who despite the days given by the state for concentration of forces, appeasement, some reorganisation of life, go out, have barbecues, listen to music and so on in the belief that these days are holidays given to the people. These are not holidays! This is a time to concentrate thoughts and recollect oneself, organise one's life, family life, [get on track] with colleagues, relatives and one’s nearest and dearest. Everyone should be able to work out a model of safe communication and apply it.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE *
M/S Clergymen
SOT, Patriarch of Moscow and all Rus’ (Russian): "I was particularly shocked by a letter from an orthodox woman who lives in Italy. Maybe I have already mentioned it somewhere, but I will remind you once more because this letter has shocked me. The woman writes: "Your Holiness, I understand the residents of Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. You think that this frightening epidemic is somewhere far away, that no one knows when it comes to your country and if it will be so scary. Such thoughts we had two weeks ago, too. We thought that there will be no pestilence in Rome. Today we stay at home, mortuaries and even stadiums are filled with dead bodies and coffins. We are even unable to burn them. People die like they can only die during a frightening epidemic. When we lack food, we fearfully enter shops where we can buy products and go home as fast as we can. If we don't return [home] then we face reprisals from the police.” *MULTIPLE SHOTS AT SOURCE*
M/S Clergymen
C/U Man in medical mask
SCRIPT
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus’ urged worshippers to refrain from visiting churches amid the COVID-19 outbreak. He delivered the message after liturgy in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow on Sunday.
"I appeal to you, my dears, in the near future until special Patriarchal blessing will be granted, to desist from visiting churches,” Patriarch Kirill said.
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ reminded the congregation about the recommendations of the state authorities which call for residents to stay at home during a week-long paid period off work to reduce the spread of the virus, starting this weekend. Moreover, he cited an orthodox worshiper in Italy, who in a letter to the patriarch expressed her emotions and thoughts about the disease.
"We thought that there will be no pestilence in Rome. Today we stay at home, mortuaries and even stadiums are filled with dead bodies and coffins. We are even unable to burn them. People die like they can only die during a frightening epidemic,” quoted the patriarch.
As a religious example of seclusion His Holiness provided a deed of Mary of Egypt, who is revered as the patron of penitents and who spent 47 years in a desert to atone for her sins.
"Most important is, let us hope that her example of seclusion will make us understand the significance of solitude in our private deserts, in our flats. Let us share the deed of Mary of Egypt,” Patriarch Kirill urged.
In Russia, as of March 29, the total number of COVID-19 cases is 1,534, with eight people dead, according to official figures.