The head of the Patriarchal working group on the fight against coronavirus fell ill of COVID-19
Metropolitan Dionysius (Porubai), head of the working group under Patriarch Kirill to coordinate actions in the context of the spread of the coronavirus, became infected with the coronavirus. This was reported in the group on Friday, April 24.
The 44-year-old Metropolitan is being treated in a hospital on the advice of doctors. The state of his health does not cause concerns, he will continue to perform work duties.
On April 18, it became known that the rector of the Moscow theological Academy, Bishop Pitirim of Zvenigorod, had contracted a coronavirus. The priest said that his illness is passing in a mild form and he is already on the mend. According to him, he received the virus during the service in the temple, while observing all hygiene measures. Thus, he noted, those who say that it is impossible to get infected in the temple are wrong.
On April 12, the Russian Orthodox Church decided to hold Holy week services in Moscow without parishioners because of the threat of the spread of coronavirus.
The ROC urged the faithful not to visit churches and on Easter, but to limit themselves to watching TV broadcasts of the service. In Russian social networks launched the hashtag #melitusom.
As of April 24, 68,622 cases of coronavirus were registered in Russia. The total number of deaths — 615. 5568 people were cured.
