« Address of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh to the clergy and laity of the Sourozh Diocese »

Beloved in the Lord Fathers, brothers and sisters!

The worldwide spread of dangerous coronavirus infection, a disease which can lead to death, causes us all serious worry and great concern for maintaining our own health as well as the health and safety of our loved ones.

As you know, to prevent the spread of the disease, state authorities are undertaking various preventive measures to combat the epidemic.

At this difficult time, the hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church calls upon each of us to assume an obligation to strictly comply with all the instructions that come from the authorities.

Following the decisions by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Republic of Ireland, churches of the Diocese of Sourozh are temporarily closed for visits, but the services in our diocese continue.  Priests do not cease to pray for their flock privately, celebrating divine services in their homes and in churches behind closed doors, where possible.

Some of our services are broadcast live on radio and in social networks. We can also watch, on the Internet and on TV channels, online broadcasts and recordings of services from various churches of the Russian Orthodox Church.

In this difficult time, each of us should not forget that we are called to preserve peace and mutual love, strengthen faith and offer our prayers, constantly remembering words of Christ the Savior: “May your heart not be embarrassed;  Believe in God, and believe in Me ”(John 14: 1).

I call God's blessing on all of you and pray together with you for a speedy end to the spread of the disease.

+ MATTHEW

Bishop of Sourozh