Join a church that has fallen for the corona narrative

[Viktor Zeegelaar]

There is one Orthodox church in my city. Russian in origin, quite large, multicultural. However, they cucked for the cojona measures. Masks in the church, 1.5 meter distance, leaving your information at the door etc. This is disturbing to me for several reasons. We are created in the likeness and image of God. We're gonna cover that? And also taking it further, even when death was a possibility, aren't we supposed not to be afraid of death as Christians? Masks is the worst aspect for me... So I'm asking myself, will going to Church with a mask on and being able to attend only once a month really bring me further in the faith and community building? I'm still participating in the cojona agenda then and I will not even be able to communicate normally with the people there. I do consider inquiring as there are benefits too obviously and it is the only option, but I'm curious how others view this situation.

 

[JohnQThomas]

We are created in the likeness and image of God. We're gonna cover that?

In public, yes.
With pants—and usually even shirts.

And yes, it’s better to attend church under imperfect circumstances than not at all.

 

[Vasily Martian]

What a shame that the only Orthodox Church in your area has gone this way. In response to your question about mask wearing in church and the like, my understanding - which is coming from the more zealous and grace-filled quarters of the church - is that we should not attend church under these circumstances. For more guidance on this, I direct you to Section One of the Videos and Articles part of www.orthodoxtalks.com. The priest monk there has put together a great collection of materials about what the Orthodox response to the satanic plandemic should be, including mask wearing, not venerating icons etc. These materials include information from the lives of saints, the canons and modern day holy elders.

 

[Viktor Zeegelaar]

Their insights can change indeed and I do believe that it is better than nothing. Sadly many churches among all denominations have fallen for it, but being inside we have the possibility to influence the direction a bit anyway by sharing some info that gives people a different perspective.

 

[Serge Korol]

2 Cor 3 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

 

[Lawrence87]

It's hard to say really, I would fall on the side that it's better to go to an Orthodox church than not. But if you have an option available that isn't enforcing all this stuff, I'd go with that. If not, then I'd say keep going, and pray that the Lord helps them to see the error of their ways, and that He will guide you. It's not on you that they have made this decision, and I'd say on balance it's better to go to a church than not. If possible, and you feel comfortable doing so, politely refuse to wear a mask.

 

[tractor]

There is one Orthodox church in my city. Russian in origin, quite large, multicultural. However, they cucked for the cojona measures. Masks in the church, 1.5 meter distance, leaving your information at the door etc. This is disturbing to me for several reasons. We are created in the likeness and image of God. We're gonna cover that? And also taking it further, even when death was a possibility, aren't we supposed not to be afraid of death as Christians? Masks is the worst aspect for me... So I'm asking myself, will going to Church with a mask on and being able to attend only once a month really bring me further in the faith and community building? I'm still participating in the cojona agenda then and I will not even be able to communicate normally with the people there. I do consider inquiring as there are benefits too obviously and it is the only option, but I'm curious how others view this situation.

The question is whether the "emergency" laws in your area include the places of worship along with other "mass gatherings" or it's a voluntary measure of your specific church.

If the church only complies with the law, there's hardly anything you can do about it. I know that Christians should oppose or try to circumvent the laws that contradict their faith, e.g. "f**got cakes". But masks - as unconvenient as they are - is not something one can easily argue against from the Chrisitan perspective. Usually, it's pride or the desire for convenience.

 

[tikkasakko]

I have been attending an Orthodox church for a couple months now as a Catechumen. Was signed up for weekly classes, and was very excited. They recently re-introduced mandatory masks in my province, and they followed the orders, requiring masks. I will no longer be attending, as I do not wear masks, and have zero tolerance for very obvious lies and deception. Here in Alberta the only churches that defy these nonsensical orders/mandates are protestant. Very dissapointing.

 

[tractor]

2 Cor 3 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

I'm not sure what your goal is but the "veil" here clearly means that God didn't reveal the whole truth to Israel of the Old Testament. Since they rejected Christ, they remained under the veil (i.e. ignorant).

 

[tractor]

I have been attending an Orthodox church for a couple months now as a Catechumen. Was signed up for weekly classes, and was very excited. They recently re-introduced mandatory masks in my province, and they followed the orders, requiring masks. I will no longer be attending, as I do not wear masks, and have zero tolerance for very obvious lies and deception. Here in Alberta the only churches that defy these nonsensical orders/mandates are protestant. Very dissapointing.

May I ask what was your goal in joing the Orthodox church?

 

[fortyfive]

Guys, if you are attending some church or services, do they speak about the current covid totality? Do they have some opinion on covid situation whatsoever?
Lately, I checked some Christian services which I liked before (online), but to my surprise, there was not a single mentioning about covid.
Like if this covid farce doesn't exist.

 

[Mike Contro Rossi]

We do have many clergy and parishes defying this farce. Unfortunately, there spread apart all over and not just in one uniform jurisdiction, although ROCOR fairs better than most, though far from uniform.

 

[Basilus of Moro]

One option for those without other options (other parishes) is to attend one of these parishes in the narthex or outside without the face muzzle, humbly resisting these things.

 

[tikkasakko]

May I ask what was your goal in joing the Orthodox church?

My goal in joining the Orthodox is salvation. I am actively searching for another parish. I am willing to travel if necessary.

 

[Harrington]

The question is whether the "emergency" laws in your area include the places of worship along with other "mass gatherings" or it's a voluntary measure of your specific church.

I would second this. The unfortunate reality is that most parishes are not going as far as openly defying local mandates. The chances you'll be close to one of the parishes that are taking a stand are also pretty low, it could be 5+ hours from you. Up to you how far you want to look for a better alternative. That said, if they're choosing to mask up without any mandate then it is likely not a very spiritually healthy community.

 

[lev1n]

To OP: have you already visisted this church? I know their website states that they comply with all the rules such as social distancing - but do they really do this or do they just state this to stay out of trouble with the authorities?
Many stores etc. do it this way. They pretend on their websites to keep up with the rules to stay out of trouble but when you actually visit, nobody cares.

 

[inthefade]

What is stopping you from just not wearing a mask? Do they have bouncers at the doors?

 

[Pantheon]

It's a legitimate concern. When I was new in church, a masked older man gave me a sign reminding me to take off my hat. I thought for myself: "well what about your mask?". It seems he thought it was self-evident to wear a mask in church, but somehow my hat was the problem.

You obviously have a point that we are created in the image of God and that there is something particularly sinister about covering your face. I have done it a few times myself in church and always felt humiliated and morally damaged by it, especially when approaching the icons. But I think the key part is recognizing that it is evil. That way, even if you do it for practical reasons, you are at least aware of the problem and you can ask God for forgiveness. But I definitely think there are legitimate reasons not to attend churches with mask mandates. I mean it can't go on forever and sooner or later one has to just say no, no more seclar invasion of holy ground.

Needless to say, for the Orthodox every bodily gesture carries symbolic significance hence we have to be careful about these things.

 

[4600_fan]

Hi Viktor, can you please answer some of those questions posted above:

1) Have you actually been to this church? One thing I've noticed about this whole thing is that there are basically parallel realities forming. The "book reality" which is communicated on the internet, and the real reality. Case and point, if you read the website for the local zoo, you'd think it was COVID crazy, but when I actually went there, nobody was wearing a mask, all the indoor places (reptiles etc) were full of people not social distancing, etc. I see this also with restaurants and other things, basically they need to say they are doing stuff to stay out of trouble.

2) If these things are actually going on, is this due to local mandates or the church's choice? Do they need to do this or get shut down? Although I know of small parishes that just started meeting in the priest's house, house churches would be all but impossible with large metropolitan congregations. I'd be really suprised if a ROCOR church cucked voluntarily. Assuming it is ROCOR.

Also, regarding masking being an attempt to deface the image of God, yes I have considered this many times and see the obvious symbolic meaning. This could also be why masking is so enjoyed by those who are determined to erase God's image from themselves and our society.

 

[newcomer]

Hi Viktor, can you please answer some of those questions posted above:

1) Have you actually been to this church? One thing I've noticed about this whole thing is that there are basically parallel realities forming. The "book reality" which is communicated on the internet, and the real reality. Case and point, if you read the website for the local zoo, you'd think it was COVID crazy, but when I actually went there, nobody was wearing a mask, all the indoor places (reptiles etc) were full of people not social distancing, etc. I see this also with restaurants and other things, basically they need to say they are doing stuff to stay out of trouble.

2) If these things are actually going on, is this due to local mandates or the church's choice? Do they need to do this or get shut down? Although I know of small parishes that just started meeting in the priest's house, house churches would be all but impossible with large metropolitan congregations. I'd be really suprised if a ROCOR church cucked voluntarily. Assuming it is ROCOR.

Back when I was looking around for Orthodox church nearby, there was no liturgic program published on a website of the nearest parish.
So I emailed the priest and he told me it is not online but they still do the liturgy as usual. No masks when I visited, just a few people wore them.