in-cyprus 13 April 2020 -Bouli Hadjioannou
Police have clarified that it is forbidden to carry the Holy Light home from church after the service at midnight on Saturday, philenews reports.
Traditionally, the faithful bring back candles with the Holy Light from the midnight service to their homes.
But going to church is prohibited under decrees to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Moreover, there is a curfew from 9 pm to 6 am every day, and only essential workers are allowed to leave their homes.
Police spokesman Christos Andreou made the clarification after information came to police’s attention that some members of the public may go to church to light a candle to bring back the Holy Light or that priests may go to the houses.
Chief of police Kypros Michaelides has already warned that police will be on high alert during Easter ramping up checks for compliance with Covid-19 decrees.
Michaelides said that police will not allow any church-going, family gatherings, Easter bonfires or other activities pertinent to Easter traditions.
Meanwhile, the police chief has also ordered an investigation into whether a church service held by Bishop of Morphou yesterday and attended by 10 people was in violation of the decrees.
