The Russian Orthodox Church, which many pro-Russian propagandists claim is separated from government, is seeking to influence regulation of Russia’s transport links with other countries.
The head of the Synodal Department of External Church Relations at the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev), has called for the suspension of transport connections with the high coronavirus risk countries. That’s according to SeverPost referring to the cleric’s interview with Russia 24 TV.
“In order for us to defeat the coronavirus, we need universal mobilization. This means that everything contributing to the coronavirus reproduction must be temporarily suspended, including flights to countries where the infection rate is very high,” suggested Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev).
It can be assumed that in addition to the urgent craving to suspend Eucharistic communion with local Churches worldwide, the ROC suggests it could also affect traffic flows, in particular, offering to suspend transport communication with countries where the infection risks are high.
Why this function was entrusted to the ROC instead of the relevant government agency remains unclear.
