The Metropolitan Church of Chisinau and all Moldova objects to a point of the decision taken by the National Extraordinary Commission for Public Health on May 29, which demands to refrain from taking communion in order to diminish the risk of infection with COVID-19 following the reopening of churches, IPN reports.

In a circular issued on June 1, the Church says that it took note of the Commission’s decision and considers that the recommended measures are appropriate as the pandemic hasn’t been contained yet. “The Church has pleaded firmly for the observance of the sanitary and hygiene norms. But the Moldovan Metropolitan Church has a “major objection” to the refraining from Holy Communion.”.

“The subject of communion is very important and existential for the Church. That’s why it cannot represent the object of public debates and cannot be treated based on purely secular argumentation. It cannot be negotiated because it represents the cure of eternity, spring of light, hope and union with God,” reads the circular signed by Metropolitan Bishop Vladimir. “Abiding by its own traditions and teachings, the Orthodox Church reserves the right to stage Communion as until now.”

The religious meetings and ceremonies are allowed as of June 5, but by obeying the measures to prevent infection with COVID-19. The Moldovan Metropolitan Church says the church servants were instructed to supply the parishioners with recipients with disinfectants and to periodically sanitize the objects in the church and surfaces inside. Where it is possible, they encourage holding services in the open air or in summer sanctuaries, using loudspeakers.