Greek priest: Churches being closed because Liturgy weakens Satan
On January 31, 2022, Elpidie Vaianakis, a priest of the Greek Orthodox Church, stated that the closure of churches during the coronavirus pandemic serves the purposes of Satan, who is fighting against the Liturgy.
On the Focus FM radio station, Father Elpidie, in the context of a conversation about the coronavirus, said that not only secular people but also church people “trusted psychopaths and murderers of people”.
“And we made these people scientists, people who speak the truth and pushed aside God himself, our Creator. This is what upsets and worries me greatly,” said the priest.
He also noted that Satan has two goals "that are advanced in our time" – to subdue the Church and to subdue and change man.
The priest believes that Satan was "given authority" by the leadership of the Church, and the hierarchs "are not engaged in the service of Christ but in the false conversion of Christians".
“Why are they doing this (closing temples – Ed.)? Because the Holy Mysteries deprive the devil of his powers. When the Sacraments are performed, he (Satan) is bound, he cannot act. Now I understand why he fights so hard to close churches so that people can't come to church and repent. Because the Divine Liturgy is a great power. This is the light that conquers darkness, Satan himself,” said Fr Elpidie.
According to the cleric of the Greek Church, everything that is happening in the world today is dictated by Satan's desire to dominate people's lives.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.