Russia Orthodox church procession to ward off virus

(22 Mar 2020) Russian Orthodox priests staged a procession outside Vysokopetrovsky monastery in Moscow on Sunday to ask for God's protection from the new coronavirus.

The  were following an ancient tradition from Constantinople when such processions were held to ward off the plague.

Earlier, hundreds of believers turned up for the Sunday prayer service.

Although authorities in Moscow have banned outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people, religious services are still allowed.

Nonetheless, church officials have imposed some restrictions of their own, such as using disposible spoons during Communion, and a prohibition on kissing religious icons.

Worshippers said they weren't deterred by the risk of getting the virus.

Russia has 367 cases of COVID-19, almost half of them in Moscow.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms.

For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems.



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