« Message from Bishop Matthew of Sourozh in connection with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic »
20-10-2020 
Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters!
The coronavirus pandemic continues to spread around the world, with cases in the UK and the Republic of Ireland growing rapidly.
Due to the difficult epidemiological situation, I urge you strictly to fulfill the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill: to comply strictly with all the necessary requirements and orders of state authorities aimed at curbing the coronavirus pandemic.
Remember that compliance with sanitary norms and rules is not only a matter of obedience to the Church, but also a manifestation of our concern for the health of our loved ones and of the medical workers, who, not sparing themselves and risking their health, save our lives.
Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters, please do not forget that by taking care of your own health, you thereby preserve and protect the health of others. Remember, the symptoms of coronavirus can be similar to those of the common flu or common cold. When they appear, I ask you not to visit churches or any other public places, so as not to endanger the life and health of the people around you.
I especially draw the attention of the clergy and laity over 65 years old and those with chronic diseases to the necessity of observing the precautionary measures, since it is you who are most susceptible to the development of complications with coronavirus - take care of yourself and your loved ones and do not leave your home unnecessarily!
I call on all the faithful children of the Sourozh diocese to intensify their prayers for an end to the disease.
+ MATTHEW
Bishop of Sourozh
October 20th, 2020
London