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Polish

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oai:bibliotekanauki.pl:2075068

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Attitudes towards COVID-19 pandemic in bishops, clergy and faithful polish autocephalous orthodox church

Abstract

The global coronavirus pandemic has created new challenges, also in the field of theology and liturgy. The text discusses, in general form, the reaction of the Orthodox Churches in various countries and presents in detail the activities of the hierarchs, clergy and faithful of the Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church (PAKP).Based on the principle of autocephaly, lacking the centralised authority structure, the Orthodox Church presents very different attitudes: from far-reaching compliance with pandemic restrictions, including the use of disposable utensils for the celebration of the Eucharist (Belgium, Switzerland), to the complete negation of government regulations (Bulgaria). PAKP found himself in between these extremes. Individual bishops, in formal and informal instructions, recommended parish priests and the faithful to adapt to epidemiological restrictions, especially in terms of observing the rules of quarantine and staying at home (Wrocław-Szczecin diocese, Hajnów diocese); on the other hand, the position of the Holy Council of Bishops precluded, for example, the use of disposable spoons in the administration of the Eucharist. Based on the available written sources, including documents of the Holy Council of Bishops, letters of bishops to the faithful, relations posted by the faithful on social networks and personally conducted interviews with hierarchs, author discusses pandemic forms of pastoral activity developed by PAKP (parish activity in social media, Internet broadcasts of services, ordering prayer intentions by e-mail or text message) and related problems (unjustified substitution of personal participation in the liturgy by watching it on the Internet, doubts as to the worthy circumstances of its viewing), and also the bishops’ response (broadcasts only in real time, without the possibility of playing back). Texst presents also some positives resulting from the current situation (spontaneous activity of the faithful, eg organizing sound system, “informalised” sacrament of confession, often taking place outdoors).

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