Greek government spokesperson Stelios Petsas, last week announced that churches will be open to the faithful on Christmas Day and Epiphany on January 6, with limits on the number of people allowed inside.
There will be a limit of 9 people allowed in churches and up to 25 people in metropolitan cathedrals.
The decision has sparked outrage among bishops.
The traditional throwing of the cross during Epiphany celebrations is also banned.
“I think that some people are handling issues without knowing the reality or don’t want to see it,” said Dimitriada’s Bishop Ignatios, among many clerics who see the move as impractical.
The Holy Synod convenes on Tuesday.
“We will wait for its decisions,” he told Tachydromos newspaper.
Moreover, retail stores, entertainment venues, restaurants, bars and cafes will remain shut throughout the Christmas period.
Mitsotakis to Archbishop: We must follow COVID-19 restrictions to open Churches for Christmas
