High-ranking clergymen are on alert after one bishop was tested positive to Covid-19, just two days after the festive service to honor Saint Demetrios, the patron of Thessaloniki on October 26.
Bishop of Ierissos, Mount Athos and Adrameni Theoklitos reportedly developed symptoms on Oct 30 and underwent a test,
The positive test result was announced in a statement by the Holy Diocese on Saturday and triggered panic among the other seven Bishops who participated in the service without wearing masks or keeping social distance.
Worth noting that the religious service took place in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
Upon hearing the Bishop Theoklitos was positive to Covid-19, the clergy rushed to undergo tests in private clinics in the city in northern Greece that has an alarming number of infections. Media reported Sunday noon that all their tests turned out negative.
It is not known whether also President Sakellaropoulou had a test.
Bishop Theoklitos is in home isolation, the offices of the specific Metropolis will remain closed for 14 days.
Following the the Bishop’s test, the Diocese issued a statement urging the faithful to wear a mask in- and outside the churches and pray for the Bishop.”
Bishop Theoklitos was recently filmed telling the congregation that the virus is not transmitted in the church or through the Holy Communion.
