Controversial Morphou Bishop Neophytos has said that coronavirus or not he is not willing to “lock out” faithful from churches and that he is ready to face the legal consequences.
His written statement came shortly after health authorities announced on Wednesday that no physical presence will be allowed at churches as from Friday and up until December 31. And that faithful can pray at home.
This is in a desperate bid to contain the alarming spread of the coronavirus in Cyprus.
“Before God and Law, I am willing to undertake the responsibility…Churches will be in operation as normal despite the announcement of new measures forbidding this,” said the Bishop who has in the past sparked numerous local controversies.
The Bishop also said it was unorthodox for religious services to be conducted without the presence of churchgoers. The exception is for weddings, baptisms and funerals with a maximum of 10 people allowed.
In the meantime, the Holy Synod will meet next week, most probably on Tuesday, to review the new state of play with the measures which cover the festive Christmas season.
