Russian Orthodox Church will not cancel services to help fight spread of coronavirus

The Russian Orthodox Church says it will not close churches or cancel religious services to help fight the spread of coronavirus, though a spokesman for the organization told the television network Rossiya-24 that the church will consider additional protective measures, including limiting attendance on a case-by-case basis in coordination with health officials.

“The Church will not stand aside from what’s happening,” said Metropolitan Ilarion, a Russian Orthodox Church cleric. “The Church is always concerned not just about the spiritual but also the bodily health of its members.” Ilarion urges churchgoers who feel unwell to stay at home and “drink tea with raspberry jam.”