In Serbia, the President and the Church are discussing the lifting of the curfew for Easter
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic promised in negotiations with the Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which asked to lift the Easter curfew imposed due to the coronavirus, to try to find a compromise solution that would suit both believers and doctors.
Serbian media reported this, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
The Holy Synod of the SOC appealed to the Serbian government to lift the restriction on the freedom of movement of citizens from 5 to 10 a.m., introduced in connection with the coronavirus epidemic, as well as the ban on citizens over 65 years of age going out, so that “Orthodox Christians who are not in isolation or self-isolation , could take part in Easter Matins and Liturgy on their greatest holiday.”
By the time this appeal was published, the country's leadership had decided to introduce a curfew for Easter from 17:00 to 5:00.
“Last Saturday we agreed with Patriarch Irenaeus not on what the Synod is now asking for,” Alexander Vucic commented on the priesthood’s request. “No matter what I say now, part of society will “crucify” me.” All I can guarantee is that tomorrow I will try to talk with the Patriarch and the people of the Synod, but, without a doubt, I will defend the position of doctors and life.”
At the same time, the President of Serbia gave a guarantee that, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations, the authorities would not think of arresting bishops and priests.
“If persuasion does not bear fruit, I will inform you about what decision we will make,” Vucic added.
In turn, the Primate of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Irinej, in his Easter address, essentially supported the measures of the secular authorities.
“When we are in such trouble, we must do everything possible to help ourselves and others, understand and support the efforts and programs of the competent health, sanitation and government agencies to protect us from infection,” the head of the SPC wrote. – This may be difficult for us now, but we must accept and support it for the sake of the common good, subordinating ourselves and our behavior to it... We pray to God, regularly and actively participate in the sacred liturgy, let us regret our sins and take care of our own health and the health of others."
Serbia's President and Church Discuss Lifting Easter Curfew