The Church to hold Easter liturgies across the country
By Khatia Bzhalava
Tuesday, April 14
Georgia has been under a curfew since March 31st, banning anyone from going outside between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The government has been actively fining citizens for violating the rules, however, the upcoming celebration of the most important holiday for the orthodox church- Easter, seems to be the cause of a mass violation of the restrictions, as the majority of congregation refuses to remain home at the Easter Eve and plans to attend the liturgy in local churches. The celebratory service usually starts in the evening of Easter and lasts until the early morning of the next day. The government has urged people not to violate the rules and pray at home.
The dedication of the church-goers has caused controversy throughout the country; some consider the commitment of the worshipers relevant, as the holy communion of Easter is the greatest grace for a Christian, with others strongly believing that it would be more reasonable to beware of the rules to prevent a new wave of the infection.
The metropolitan of Akhalkalaki and Kumurdo, bishop Nikolozi (Fachuashvili), while talking to the press, noted that the curfew should not be considered as the event against the community and he can not imagine the government confronting the church or the people.
“The curfew was declared by the government that manages to work flawlessly during this hard period. The curfew restricts free movement, but it is not against the people, it is just a preventive tool. Therefore, if there is a necessity for the people to attend the liturgy, I do not think the government will act against the people or the church. The government defends us and they do it wonderfully,” said bishop Nikolozi.
The bishop explains that it will not be possible to arrive at the churches before 9 PM and stay there until 6 in the morning. As he said, the Church is still determined to have consultations with the ruling party.
The bishop claims that the safety measurements will be maximally abided by observing the distance between worshipers.
The metropolitan of Poti and Khobi, the bishop Grigoli estimates the situation as very harsh and finds it extremely unpleasant to look at the empty churches, however, he is strictly against encouraging anyone to break the law.
“I, personally, can not encourage anyone to violate the law unless it aims to seize the church deliberately. If the law is focused on well-being, there is nothing I have against.
We can recall many martyrs from history who died whilst defending their religion from ideological attacks as well as the ones, who were seeking martyrdom themselves. We are given free will from God and we are entitled to behave as we wish,” said the bishop Grigol.
Orthodox Church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus on April 19th this year and it is yet not determined whether the violation of safety measures will be allowed or not.
