The ‘Sacred Rites’ performed during the Lent period before the Holy Resurrection continue to be performed in all churches in Turkey, with or without limited participation, in accordance with the pandemic rules. Congregations in Mersin and Hatay regions, which are preparing to celebrate Easter, have the opportunity to watch the rites performed during this period in churches with limited participation or at home via live broadcasts from their social media accounts.
Decisions taken within the scope of coronavirus measures have greatly affected worship, as in all areas of life. Orthodox Congregations during the Easter Fast began to spend this special time away from the church.
In this context; While the weekday rites in the Greek Orthodox Church in Mersin continued, the holy rites on Sunday began to be held on Tuesdays. The rites in churches in Hatay are performed with the participation of a very limited number of congregation members.
Last week, the Day of Remembrance of St. John the Ladder, the Author of the Book of the Ladder of Virtues, was held in all Orthodox Churches. In addition, St. Basilios the Confessor, St. Martinos the Confessor, St. Aristarchus, Bodhis and Trophimos and the Martyr St. Christos were commemorated with special rites. The rites, which had low attendance and are performed simply, will continue in this way for a long time.
Change in Mass Hours
On the other hand, due to the curfew time being put back by the latest decisions, the hours of the liturgy in churches were also changed. (SAT-7 Türk/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
