The time of the Covid-19 crisis must be used for the society to unite and help each other, such a position was expressed in the video message to the participants of the Aglona Festival by the Catholic Archbishop Zbigniew Stankevich.
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Stankevičs addressed the faithful and the entire Latvian society in this way, because the clergyman follows the Aglona Festival in absentia, because he is in self-isolation after his stay in Poland.
Stankevich said that one of the areas that “especially should be opened to the mysterious presence of God today and in which we desperately need help from above” is the Covid-19 crisis.
“The coronavirus pandemic has affected every member of our society, and for many it has turned lives upside down. We are all involved in a kind of war right now. But if in the real war you see your opponent against whom you can fight, then in this situation the virus is If you can understand that at some point in the war it will end, then in this situation, it is not known, it is not known when you will be able to return to the normal course of life, and all this has a profound effect on everyone’s emotional state. strength – in faith and mutual support, “said the archbishop.
According to the clergyman, although the virus has created a situation in which insecurity and fear are increasing, each crisis also brings new opportunities. “We can also look at Covid as a positive force – as a lesson in which everyone could discover how much we have actually been given. Our freedom, our ability to move, our ability to communicate, our ability to be with us. We began to appreciate simple, seemingly self-evident things – communication, meetings, the fact that children can be taken to school and kindergarten. “
The archbishop also pointed out that the influence of the mass media today is enormous. That is why the quality of media news and accountability to the public is important. People listen to them and trust them, “sometimes even more than themselves or the church.” “I see support in the media, allies, experts. The mood of society and the possibility of an atmosphere of goodness in our living environment depend to a large extent on the media.”
Stankevich predicted that the virus would probably not disappear anywhere in the autumn, “in addition, some scientists warn – if people continue to treat their common home – the Earth – as before, we will face many more viruses from the animal kingdom.” “We can take this first, as a lesson, that we must protect the Earth on which we live. In the context of a pandemic, it must be established that everyone has a specific responsibility at their level and within their competence,” said the archbishop.
The archbishop also addressed the representatives of the responsible institutions, reminding that when imposing restrictions, they would not forget about the population and their well-being.
“In this case, I mean the support system, especially for those who suffer the most for both purely economic reasons and illness, such as how to provide them with the opportunity, if not in person, then at least otherwise to stay in touch with relatives. But there is more to be said here. other ways, such as encouraging the public to listen not so much to some false news, but to the responsible institutions, that is, it is also about gaining trust, which in turn can be gained if citizens really experience that the government, politicians and responsible institutions take care of their well – being, “said Stankevich.
The archbishop called on the clergy to act responsibly, emphasizing the role of the clergyman as a role model for believers. “In the current situation, the clergyman has a particularly important task – to listen to people, not to shy away from them, to encourage them and help to overcome fear, to be by side and to take responsibility. Even if mistakes are made. The clergyman must ensure that not even more excited or depressed. “
Stankevich called on the faithful to avoid “barren criticism”, to support their fellow human beings morally and spiritually as much as possible. Considering that the restrictions would be relaxed after August 17, the believers were invited to return to worship services in person.
“Of course, we ask God to protect us, our dear ones, our churches and our country from the epidemic, but that does not absolve ourselves of a responsible attitude towards what is happening and common sense. We must not challenge God and demand that he work miracles in those areas. , which he has left to our area of responsibility, “added the cleric.
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