Holy Synod

The SPC Holy Synod will probably be held in the crypt of the Temple of Saint Sava, Metropolitan of Dabar-Bosnia and guardian of the patriarchal throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Chrysostom, told Tanjug.
However, he notes that the final decision on where Synod will be held will be made on February 10.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece is defying the government's decision to keep churches out of bounds for worshippers during Wednesday's celebration of the Epiphany, with the government responding that no one can decide to observe only the laws they like, and setting the stage for a possible clash.

It is "inconceivaable" for the Greek Orthodox Church to be demanding an exemption from the nationwide lockdown to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, opposition Movement for Change (KINAL) said in a statement on Monday.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece on Monday issued a statement expressing its opposition to the government's decision to impose a stricter lockdown this week that includes the closure of all churches and other places of worship.

The decision was made during a Holy Synod extraordinary meeting

This decision was made by the Holy Synod of Bishops as the supreme canonical authority in the Church, authorized to schedule sessions of the highest church body.

The only disagreements within the Church of Greece regarding the government's limits on services during the festive period due to the coronavirus pandemic is over the way it should respond, as the clergy are all in agreement that the decision must change.

"A new world has been born and we have to deal with it, and this presents an opportunity for the Church," Archbishop Ieronymos said in an important interview with Kathimerini's executive editor, Alexis Papachelas, last Sunday.

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece rebuffed a call issued this week by the Istanbul-based Patriarch Vartholomaios for a dialogue between Orthodox churches regarding Holy Communion in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, while also denouncing yoga, which has been recommended by various bodies and groups as a way to relieve stress during the pandemic. 

As Greece enters Holy Week, the most sacred time of year for Orthodox Christians and traditionally a period of public gatherings and religious services, authorities will be watching carefully to ensure that the restrictions designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic are being upheld.