MCP: Celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany with your family and respect the measures

The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral called on the Orthodox faithful to celebrate baptisms, of which there are plenty in the coming period, more restrained and modest than usual, in the family circle, due to the complex epidemiological situation.

"Guided by the recently received, competent and prudent letter from the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, but also by the intention we had even before it, we invite the Orthodox believers, especially those who will celebrate their baptisms in the coming period, to do so this year more restrained and modest than usual. It is nice and blessed to host your relatives and friends in your home on the day of your baptism, but it is even nicer and more blessed, especially in this health situation, to take care of your well-being and all our loved ones. We think it is appropriate that baptisms, of which there are many in the next few months, are celebrated in our homes this time in a narrower circle, with the blessing of the home by the priest or the blessing of the celebratory cake in the temples, in agreement with the paros," announced the MCP.

Due to the complex and potentially extremely dangerous epidemiological situation in Montenegro, the daily increase in the number of citizens infected with the new coronavirus, they called on Orthodox believers and all other citizens to respect health measures and medical instructions in order to bring the disease COVID-19, caused by the aforementioned virus, under control.

"We see that the epidemic of this virus is affecting both Montenegro and the entire region, Europe and the whole world. This disease must not be allowed to stop life, not even spiritual and church life, but it is necessary to adhere, as much as possible, to precautionary measures in order to reduce the harmful social consequences of the epidemic and, most importantly, to influence the reduction of the number of lives lost due to this disease, which, although it affects all ages, still takes the most lives among our oldest," the statement reads.

The MCP reminds that, immediately after the declaration of the epidemic in March, the Church stopped the organization of mass liturgies, which then went through the streets of Montenegrin cities for known reasons, and that it also reduced many other activities to a minimum or temporarily suspended them.

"Many celebrations, temple consecrations, scientific gatherings and round tables, and for the first time in more than twenty years, a children's assembly, which were planned for spring, summer and autumn this year were canceled or postponed. Some of the biggest annual Christian holidays, such as the feast of the Resurrection of Christ, were celebrated much differently than is the case under regular conditions," the announcement reads.

Calling on the Orthodox faithful to celebrate the feast of baptism in the family circle, they pointed out that the people have been saying wisely for a long time - "not all evil is for evil".

"Perhaps this is an excellent time to remind ourselves that the celebration of baptism is, first and foremost, a spiritual celebration, with which we remember the day when our ancestors received the saving Christian faith, and to spend that day in prayer and blessing. We know that, unfortunately, our celebrations often turn into parties in which the spirit of piety and moderation are forgotten, thus distancing us from their meaning and significance. The celebration of glory during the epidemic can be an opportunity to put the emphasis in our celebration exactly where it should be - in prayer and thanksgiving to God.

And finally, without looking back too much at the re-heated anti-church and anti-religious media campaign, full of untruths about the Church and misunderstanding of believing people, we call on all believers and all citizens to forgive each other and not to forget what Metropolitan Amfilohije has often repeated lately - hatred of God and brotherhood are more vicious viruses than any known virus. We need to protect ourselves from them and heal more diligently than from these diseases that torment our body, because it is more difficult for a person to get rid of them and they leave more serious consequences, both for individuals and for the entire nation. We pray for the speedy recovery of all those who suffer from this current virus, as well as all other diseases, as well as for the strengthening of all those who are trying to help them on the path of healing: doctors, other medical personnel and all benefactors," the MCP announced.