Archbishop needs to take responsibility

When the country is hit by an unprecedented crisis and is dealing with a threat that challenges its capabilities, everyone has responsibility to step up and do their part. The Church of Greece is no exception.

Inviting the flock to gather in enclosed spaces and the conducting holy communion using a chalice are clear public health risks amid the coronavirus outbreak. Older and vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of severe illness. Concerned about stirring reactions, experts are occasionally afraid to issue a clear warning. At the same time, politicians indulge in populism even though human lives are quite literally at stake.

Countries with a strong ecclesiastical tradition, such as Italy, have already introduced measures that appear self-evident in the effort to curb the spread of the virus. Archbishop Ieronymos is a responsible leader with a strong sense of...