The Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus announced the way in which the Church will function during the Masses of Holy Week and the Resurrection, after the measures announced by the Government to deal with the pandemic.
In its announcement for the Holy Week and Resurrection Masses, the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus states that after the measures announced by the Government to deal with the pandemic, the Archbishop intervenes, informs about the hours of the Holy Masses and the manner of arrangement. some practical issues, "to move within the framework of protection, in order to contribute and assist in the work of the Ministry of Health in the prevention and treatment of the spreading pandemic".
He states that the Priests and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners become responsible for the observance of the measures and the protocols, as announced by the Ministry of Health.
Specifically, he notes that inside the Temple the distances should be kept and everyone should wear masks, outside the Temple seats should be placed keeping the appropriate distances, during the worship of the Bridegroom, the Crucified and the Epitaph the Ecclesiastical Commissioners should take care to come a few at a time (10 believers) and after leaving or kissing then the next to come.
Regarding the Holy Communion, the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus states in its announcement that it is recommended that it take place after the end of the Divine Liturgy, so that those who commune leave the Temple so that there is no overcrowding and it goes without saying that in this matter the Ecclesiastical Commissioners ensure that to approach a few at a time keeping their distance.
He adds that the opening hours of the Holy Communions are defined as follows, so as not to exceed the set time set by the Government for a traffic ban, ie 21.00.
Specifically, the Holy Archdiocese states that the Bridegroom and the Washbasin Sequence will begin at 6.00:8.30 p.m. and will end no later than 5.00 pm, on Maundy Thursday, the Passion procession will begin at 8.30 pm. and will be completed no later than XNUMX p.m. and the same applies to Good Friday in the Epitaph Sequence. The procession of the Epitaph will take place only in the courtyard of the Temple with all the measures taken, so that there will be no overcrowding.
In addition, the service and the Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection will take place as follows: At 10.30 p.m. the Canon will be sung at 11.30 p.m. will be the Good Word and the beginning of Orthros. Then, the Divine Liturgy will be performed, which must be completed on Sunday, no later than 1 after midnight. In no case should it be completed before 12.00 (midnight).
"We are sure that we all understand the urgency of the day, our responsibility, both in spiritual matters, but also the responsibility towards the protection of man. Conveying to you the wishes of our Archbishop Mr. Chrysostom, we wish you a blessed Resurrection with peace in your hearts ", the Holy Archdiocese concludes, in its announcement.