Orthodox bishops in Germany emphasize the importance of the Eucharist during the Covid-19 crisis
At its 22nd session, the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of Germany stressed the importance of the Holy Eucharist during the Covid-19 crisis.
The meeting took place on June 23, 2021 in Cologne, at the seat of the Antioch diocese of Germany and Central Europe, with the participation of representatives of the Greek, Antioch, Serbian and Romanian dioceses.
The Romanian Orthodox Church was represented by Metropolitan Seraphim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe.
The meeting was chaired by His Eminence German Metropolitan Augustine and Exarch of Central Europe (Ecumenical Patriarchate).
The hierarchs adopted a joint declaration entitled “The Holy Eucharist during the Coronavirus Crisis”, which highlighted the effects of the pandemic on the life of the Orthodox Church in Germany and especially on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
The bishops draw attention to the indisputable importance of the Eucharist and the Eucharistic community of believers for church life. The possibilities through which parishes and believers can receive help in dealing with the current situation are indicated. The draft text was prepared by a working group of theologians from all Orthodox dioceses in Germany under the leadership of the Serbian Bishop of Dusseldorf and Germany, Gregory (Duric).
The members of the Episcopal Assembly also discussed the celebrations planned for the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325) in 2025. Shortly before the European Parliament voted on the Matic Report on Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Related Rights in the EU, the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops of Germany discussed the document and pointed out that the project does not take into account the rights of unborn children.
“According to Orthodox teaching, man was created in the image and likeness of God. This resemblance is irrevocable, it cannot be taken away and it definitely establishes human dignity and equality between all people. The dignity of life, especially in the case of unborn children, is inviolable and irrevocable. “
“That is why we consider it problematic that the current draft resolution does not take into account the rights of unborn children. They are at least as important as the protection of women from exploitation, oppression and violence, their health and their rights, on which the draft resolution is based, “the hierarchs stressed.
