^^ Very hard questions that I've struggled with myself. If you are not allowed to stay in a church without a mask, then I've read elsewhere from a priest (probably an article on orthochristian or russian-faith.com) that you are being persecuted. Your level of faith should help you decide what to do.
I can say without a doubt that I have experienced suffering for this very persecution. One must be careful for using it as an excuse for not attending, but the reason I know I'm not full of crap is that I sense a part of who I am, what I need to fulfill, or who I am supposed to be as a human (which is the liturgy and seeking God) is missing due to the fact that I can't bring myself to go to places formerly where I had such good relationships, fellowship, etc. but now have (mostly old) narcs on every corner either annoying you, shaming you or outright kicking you out for not wearing or wanting to wear a mask. It is essentially an unwelcoming environment based on fear and they are clueless as to how sick these actions really are, and how detrimental to the "faith" (and their faith, sadly) it is.
We could have an entire thread on this, but I'm also very interested in a certain concept that I've noticed, and noticed even more as we have entered the wheat and chaff times. I started to really become aware of it as I reached late 20s into 30s and was fully formed as an adult for various reasons. What I have noticed (and this has been pointed out to me by good friends of mine) is that I have expectations of honesty and ego in people that are very rare. That is, most do not possess an honest analysis of who they are or how they relate to the world and will be honest with you about it, which is the only thing I'm really asking. As an example, most of us here are knowledgeable, no BS and clear cut --- which can be "annoying" to others who have had trouble navigating their families and the world and overly focus on the gray areas (I've noticed this creep towards relativism) rather than principle. It usually manifests as overemphasizing emotion rather than truth, integrity, action. I personally don't have hangups, insecurities or any problem with honest self assessment since either the way I'm made or the way I related to the world cherishes the understanding of faults so that I can improve. Please trust me when I tell you that I am not boasting here. It has been reported to me by good friends who know me that this is seemingly asking too much in a sense, and I'm starting to believe that's actually the case, that most people have tremendous insecurities from either bad childhoods or bad relationships, questionable/poor self esteem, or all of the above.
The reason I bring up this point in the longer second paragraph is that I've noticed that it is really bothersome for many people for others to have a strong conviction, and hold a line, on particular concepts that are actually quite clear in the paradigm, or in this case, let us say orthodox practice and teachings. Of course any person can go too far with this, but I've had many discussions with people that I thought knew I had love for the church, my brethren and all things orthodoxy --- only to find out that they don't like it that people are criticized for doing things that are not of the orthodox faith or practice. Appeals to compromise, "meeting in the middle," sappy suggestions about what love is, etc. They hate it when you point out that Christ himself had all sorts of characteristics that include (though we don't stress them, and I point this out) anger and firmness to outright challenging others and being mean (calling a woman a dog) if you want to put it that way. The quick summary I guess is that people hate it when you ask questions that expose their foundation-less positions, but all I want is for that person to just admit that there is something to be considered, studied, followed up; that is, something to learn from instead of rejecting important principles to save them from dealing with their insecurities or frailties. Isn't denying these things living in delusion? That's sort of my point.
Well, I hope someone can identify with my experiences as they are quite saddening to me, and since I take no pleasure in this I think it also a proof that it has absolutely nothing to do with my ego, rather, it points out that I should be grateful for my upbringing and all the gifts I've been given.