By Dorothy Taylor-
Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has been criticised for permitting Bulgarian Churches to remain open this Easter Sunday.
Borissov has also been criticised for failing to stop the traditional kissing on the cheek in these times of coronavirus, The Eye Of Media.Com has heard. Borrisov told reporters that services at major churches would be broadcast live on state television. Borissov said on Thursday that Bulgaria’s Orthodox churches and temples will be open for traditional Palm Sunday and Easter services despite the coronavirus outbreak, adding that many people were desperate and in low spirits.
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However, Borissov also urged Bulgarians to stay and pray in their homes. Services at major churches would be broadcast live on state television.
“A difficult decision but I am ready to bear the reproaches.” . “The bishops told me that there are many people who are in low spirits, desperate. So I just cannot issue such an order (to close churches).” His comments have ofending those who say he is compromising.
Interior Minister Mladen Marinov said police will maintain a heavy presence around churches to keep order and ensure social distancing.
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State Of Emergency
Bulgaria, declared a state of emergency until May 13 and imposed a ban on groups of more than two adults congregating together. As of Thursday, it had 611 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 24 deaths.
Lovech Metropolitan (Bishop) Gavriil said Easter services will start outside churches and the Holy Synod, the church’s top executive body, recommended that worshippers wear protective masks. The church for keeping the practices of people kissing icons in churches, and using shared spoons during communion services.
Valeri Simeonov, the head of a nationalist party which is part of the ruling coalition, said the church should stop communion services.
“Let’s not pretend that it (the church) is holy. We are at war with with an invisible enemy,” he said.
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