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While this decision was not fully respected by the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, which held Sunday the Holy Mass in the presence of many believers.
Even the Holy Metropolis of Apollonia and Fier have posted photos of the event, with worshipers wearing masks attending the ceremony.
In a Facebook note, the Metropolitan of Fier states that it is decided to perform only the "Divine Liturgy" on Sunday. Those who have no health problems are invited to attend the ceremony, while children and the elderly are advised to stay home.
“Dear believers, we are living in a difficult time because of the widespread of the virus. We are all suffering the consequences of this difficulty, of this disease. But what is the Church doing in the face of this situation?
You already know the decision taken by the Holy Synod to contribute to not spread this virus: We have stopped all other services; Morning, Evening, the Akathist Hymn, and even the Annunciation until April 3.
We have decided to perform only the "Divine Liturgy" and only those who have no difficulty with their health will attend it. We advise children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses to stay in their homes.
We cannot interrupt the Divine Liturgy because it is the source of Life, it is Life itself. It's like saying we have to close hospitals because we're afraid we might spread the virus. No, we cannot do this because we love hospitals to get cured, and the Church is also a hospital to heal our souls and bodies, so we will develop the Divine Liturgy.", stated the Fier Metropolitan on March 15 in a post on Facebook.