« Message of Metropolitan Anthony of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe to the archpastors, pastors, monastics and laity of the West European Exarchate »
15-03-2020 
Your Eminences and Graces, Beloved in Christ fathers, brothers and sisters!
On the eve of the second Sunday of Great Lent, I appeal to all of you in connection with the difficult situation prevailing in the countries of the canonical territory of the Western European Patriarchal Exarchate.
The coronavirus, which affected many countries of the globe, continue its march around the world, and entered the doors of our common home, becoming not only the cause of serious illness, but also of tragic deaths.
In this difficult time, none of us has the right to remain indifferent to the grief that befell humanity. I ask you all of you, dear Vladykas, fathers, brothers and sisters, to intensify your prayers that the All-Merciful Lord put an end to the spread of the disease, grant healing to the sick and comfort to the grieving. Relevant petitions could be offered at every divine Liturgy at the end of the Augmented Litany.
As believing Orthodox Christians, we know that the root cause of any disease is human sin, through which illnesses, suffering and death affect people's lives. On the other hand, such a rapid spread of coronavirus has quite ordinary reasons, which we also must take into account. In this regard, I urge all of you to follow the appropriate rules of personal hygiene that can protect against infection with this severe disease.
In the light of the preventive measures adopted by state authorities, please strictly follow all instructions aimed at preventing the spread of the epidemic, as well as to accept with understanding such difficult decisions for all of us, which include, among others, imposition of temporary restrictions on the liturgical life of the Church.
May the Lord strengthen us all in this difficult time and show His mercy to us.
I call the blessing of God upon you.
+ ANTHONY,
Metropolitan of Korsun and Western Europe,
Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe
March 14, 2020