Spiritual Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts on Orthodox Christianity Devotion Practices, Rituals, and Religious Pilgrimages

• DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01347-x
• Publication Date: 2021-07-14T19:03:50Z
• Authors: Andreas S. Papazo...; Dimitrios V. Moys...; Christos Tsagkaris; Marko Dorosh; Efstratios Karagi...; Rafael Mazin
• Keywords: Pandemic; Worship; Religious Tourism

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multiple aspects physical and social health, including spiritual religious dimensions, has been discussed not only by numerous theologians, scientists, politicians, but also millions believers all faiths worldwide. seems to have exerted a significant practices. Massive gatherings devoted faithful people strongly discouraged even openly banned. Prominent festivals pilgrimages that conflated media with other "mega-spreader events" are incessantly canceled mitigate alleviate burden healthcare system. Catholic or Muslim tourism extensively described in peer-reviewed gray literature. However, observant members Orthodox Christianity faith experienced constrictive prohibitions for gathering at worshiping shrines, churches, monasteries. Among manifestations devotion interfered attendance public worship spaces celebration rites ceremonies, like Easter. Expressions reverent kissing crosses icons as well sacrament Holy Communion may considered motive concern these holy objects spoon used might act fomites dissemination virus. Visitation places hampered pandemic. most important centers pilgrimage Mount Athos Jerusalem, Shrine Panagia Evangelistria Island Tinos, Greece. Authorities halted almost completely arrival visitors sites. This paper aims elaborating had religiosity therefore taking toll health who deeply rooted convictions attached Church tradition. analysis closes provision specific suggestions care, support, healing impacted splintered cannot participate expressions devotion, such because personal concern,