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Ludovic Orban had a first reaction after Patriarch Daniel suggested on Tuesday that the communist regime fell as punishment for the fact that the communist authorities forbade people to worship the relics of Saint Demetrius, just a few months before the Romanian Revolution of December 1989..
The words of the Patriarch, delivered in the sermon of Saint Demetrius, in the context of the controversies related to the organization of pilgrimages during the pandemic, were interpreted as a warning to the current authorities who insist on health protection measures, including reducing the flow of pilgrims.
In an interview with Free Europe, the head of government explained why he had requested a restriction on participation in religious festivals and what was his relationship with Patriarch Daniel.
“I have established some health protection rules to reduce the risk of spreading the virus with these religious holidays. I do not consider that the statement worries me because I did not prohibit people from worshiping the relics of Saint Demetrius. I do not know what the Patriarch meant Personally, I don’t feel objective about this statement. “, was the position of Prime Minister Orban in the interview granted to Free Europe.
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The Orthodox Church has criticized initially, the intention of the Government to ban pilgrimage on the occasion of the feast of Saint Demetrius the New, for those who do not live in Bucharest. The one who made the announcement that the pilgrimage would cease to take place under the usual conditions was Prime Minister Ludovic Orban himself, who invoked health reasons. The pilgrimage took place later only after obtaining an authorization from the City Council of the capital.
The Chief Executive added that he had no conversation with Patriarch Daniel after this sermon. Ludovic Orban emphasized that he has a collaborative relationship with the Orthodox Church, but also with other religious denominations, and is aware that any restrictions imposed may upset certain categories of people.
“There are also parish priests who are unaware of the existence of the virus, but any forest has droughts and the Church as a whole cannot be judged by the fact that there are several parish priests or monks who are unaware of these norms. The Church and the Churches in general must urge their priests to follow the rules. I think they have a responsibility, they are spiritual guides, but they are also responsible for the health of the faithful. You should be more careful here. I repeat, one Church or another cannot be judged as pastors or priests who are unaware of the rules and who urge non-compliance with health protection measures “, was the prime minister’s message.
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