During the COVID-19 pandemic, all the houses of worship of the Moldovan Orthodox Church will ring the bells at midday for three minutes, until Easter. Such a decision was taken by His Holiness Vladimir, Metropolitan Bishop of Chisinau and All Moldova.
The parishioners are urged to pray for those who were affected by the novel coronavirus, for the medical staff and for all those who struggle to prevent the spread of the virus.
Contacted by IPN for a comment, bishop Ioan de Soroca, metropolitan vicar, said the given gesture is made in solidarity with all those infected and all those who struggle to contain the infection. “We hope that everyone took note and will comply,” stated the bishop.
Asked about the holding of services, the metropolitan vicar said the Synod decided that the religious ceremonies should be held in the open air and the decision was earlier coordinated with the Government on the recommendation of the letter. “We regret that some of the priests disobeyed and officiated inside churches. The decision to hold services outside remains valid,” he stated.
In a press briefing on March 23, Prime Minister Ion Chicu said that of the over 1,000 churches inspected on March 22, 375 held services inside, contrary to authorities’ recommendations concerning the containing of the novel coronavirus.
