In each and every service of the Orthodox Christian Church we pray in general terms for the whole of creation. Appropriately, we also call to mind instances and circumstances that demand our specific prayers, always asking God to have mercy. In recent days, our prayers ought to include those who are ailing, those who are caring for the sick, and those who researching, ever looking for cures that bring forth healing.
As news of the spread of the novel coronavirus (now referred to as COVID-19) has continued, it provides us the opportunity to pause, to pray and to consider our response as Orthodox Christians. I therefore share with you a few of my thoughts.
To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19 and the flu, the CDC has suggested the following:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Of course, these suggestions are just good habits for all us in any season and at any age. We take logical steps to ensure our wellbeing as well as to care for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Why not clean our icons and the blessing Cross between services, for instance? We should always take any and all appropriate measures to stay healthy regardless of season. And, as other recommendations are made, we incorporate them into our routines, be it at home, in the work place or at the parish, thanks be to God!
As a brother priest shared with his community though, fear and anxiety often increase at moments like this. Thankfully, Christians are not defined by fear. Rather, we put our trust and hope in Christ who is Himself Life. He is the One, the Physician, who brings healing of both body and soul, through the intercessions of the saints in the Church, which is likened unto a hospital. All of us then who are ailing in soul and or body, in each and every generation, find healing in Christ, in His Church and in His Mysteries.
How fitting it is that we will pray Holy Unction on Monday evening at 6pm as has been our tradition. Together, after asking one another for mutual forgiveness in Great Vespers on Sunday evening, we will in obedience to our Lord ask the Holy Spirit to consecrate olive oil so that when we are anointed by the priests, in fulfillment of Scripture, it will be unto our healing, forgiveness and salvation. Truly, God remains wondrous and glorious!
I should also add that the other practices of our Orthodox Christian Faith will continue to bring healing, most notably, the Holy Eucharist. Although the instruments that we are using, that is the chalice and the spoon are imperfect, for well over a millennia, they have held and passed to us He Who is Perfect, He Who is Life, He Who is healing. Again, we are not receiving symbols, rather we are receiving the actual Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
For those who are unaware, I should add that regardless of setting, be it in a monastery, in the parish or even in a hospital, the deacon or priest consumes whatever remains in the chalice or on a spoon after communing the faithful. We consume what remains of the Holy Eucharist with thanksgiving knowing full well that it is Life, regardless of who receives before us. Is this not an ongoing miracle that takes place around the world in every monastery, parish and cathedral of our Orthodox Christian Church and in each and every generation? Simply, we continue to humbly heed the admonition of the Deacon who directs us in the Liturgy, to receive the Holy Eucharist with “the fear of God, with faith and with love”...unto salvation, regardless of circumstances, because of He Who Is Christ our True God.
I would be remiss though we’re I not to write that all of the practices and disciplines of our faith, even the reception of the Holy Eucharist, are done voluntarily. There is no coercion to do something with which we are uncomfortable. God is big enough to handle any of our questions and concerns, because He is patient, long-suffering and abounding in mercy towards and for all of us. Guilt is not attached to any practice; a spirit of humility is what characterizes our response to each and every awesome expression of God’s love for us.
In closing, these are simply my thoughts as we prepare to enter Great and Holy Lent and as we consider the spread of COVID-19. Of course, I am not a medical doctor, but I do have the privilege of being a physician of souls, so to speak, in spite of my sins and unworthiness. Let us then pray most fervently that Christ, Who is the Physician, will continue to heal and sustain all of His creation.