THE OLD CALENDARISTS UNDER INVESTIGATION - UPROAR OVER THE ENTRY OF PRIESTS INTO FARMS AMID FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE - Filenews 26/2 - Angelos Nikolaou
A police investigation is in full swing following instructions from the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, in relation to the complaints about the entry of priests of the Church of Genuine Orthodox Christians (Old Calendarists) into a livestock unit in Trouli, despite the strict prohibitive measures due to the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic. In a statement, the Old Calendarists reply that they visited only one livestock unit and that they followed the protocols.
According to cross-checked information, the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, gave clear instructions to the Veterinary Services to investigate the conditions under which the Metropolitan of Kition of the Old Calendarists, Gerasimos, and his entourage gained access to the inside of the units.
An instruction for investigation was also given by the police officer in charge of Larnaca.
As stated by the head of the Veterinary Services for foot-and-mouth disease, Sotiria Georgiadou, entry into the restricted area is allowed only to those who have a job and, of course, in compliance with all protocols. "I appeal to the whole world, because we do not want to cut off their work, transportation and livelihood, so that only those who have a job and no one else can enter. I can't go and see my neighbour on his farm. At this stage, nothing is moving. I also appeal to travel, we all observe the safety measures."
Under the microscope of the Police are the way to bypass the biosecurity controls at the entrances of the farms, the possible responsibility of the owners of the units that allowed the entry of exogenous factors and the risk of transferring the viral load through the cassocks and ecclesiastical objects used.
While the competent services are fighting against time to save the livestock of Cyprus, the action of this particular church group is characterized by government circles as "irresponsible and dangerous". The public promotion of the visit to a livestock unit caused the immediate reaction of the State, as such initiatives undermine scientific protocols and endanger exports and domestic production.
Additional concern is the fact that the Old Calendarists called for mass prayer gatherings at the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Spyridon. The concentration of livestock breeders from different areas in an enclosed space is considered a health trap, as the foot-and-mouth disease virus can be extremely easily transferred from person to person and then to farms.
The Old Calendarist Church insists on the "pastoral" nature of the move, but the Minister of Agriculture is waiting for the full conclusion of the inspectors in order to decide on the next steps.
The claims of the Old Calendarists
The Old Calendarist priests under investigation deny the reports.
In their announcement, they state that the Holy Metropolis, with a sense of responsibility, wishes to clarify some inaccuracies published in a portion of the media regarding yesterday's visit of His Eminence.
After the celebration of the Blessing and the reading of the special wishes in the Holy Church, His Eminence the Metropolitan of Kition Mr. Gerasimos went to a single livestock unit in the area (Troulloi), and not to "units", as he erroneously reported.
It is also clarified that the Blessing was performed in the Holy Church and not on the spot in the livestock unit.
During the visit, all the prescribed health and veterinary protocols were strictly observed. Before entering the area, an inspection was carried out by the relevant state services.
All the required checks and double disinfection were carried out at the entrance and exit, while upon arrival and departure from the unit, the prescribed disinfection procedures were followed again, in full compliance with the instructions of the competent services.
The Church does not seek impressions nor does it need exaggerations. The previous announcement of the Holy Metropolis was clear and precise. In a time of crisis, responsibility and faithful transfer of events are required.
The Holy Metropolis reiterates that it stands by the livestock farmers and their families, calling on the people to prayer and practical support.
At the same time, His Eminence once again appeals to the competent bodies of the State to effectively and effectively stand by the livestock farmers, supporting their demands.
The Church has always stood and stands by the suffering person in the difficulties of life and it is not acceptable to be targeted for her pastoral presence and ministry.
