Spiritual nourishment is just as important and necessary for believers as food. Therefore, it is not possible to close the door of the church and it will be open to those who wish to come to the church, - reads the address of His Holiness and Beatitude, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, Illia ll.

"Anyone is looking for salvation and comfort during a time of ordeal. Today, as the new worldwide infection threatens the lives of the population, the parishioners naturally aspire to God and churches. Spiritual nourishment is just as important and necessary for believers as food. Therefore, it is not possible to close the door of the church and it will be open to those who wish to come to the church, in order to make them spiritually stronger.

Worship services are an integral part of the priesthood duties and are of paramount importance to the entire nation.

Depending on the current situation, I would like to address you, our spiritual children, and give you the following advice: follow the appropriate instructions; observe the established distance while in touch with people, including in the temple or the yard of the temple; during the divine liturgy (and other services), the only clergy should remain in the church, while a limited number of parishioners are allowed to stay in large cathedrals; it is generally recommended that the parishioners be in the yard of the church; additional advice will be given to the clergy and temple servants, given the specific circumstances; some believers who are at risk due to age or weaknesses, as well as those who are particularly cautious about contracting the virus, should stay at home”, reads the letter.

source: IPN