Patriarch Bartholomew urged believers to be vaccinated against coronavirus, considering it unacceptable to deny the existence of a pandemic, regard it as created by someone or spread conspiracy theories, Ukrinform reports.
“The Church of Constantinople encourages believers to consult with their doctors and in accordance with their instructions to vaccinate. Naturally, all of us at the Phanar, including me, were vaccinated,” said the head of the Phanar.
According to him, refusals to vaccinate and follow other protective measures are irrational and unreasonable theological or scientific criteria.
“It is unacceptable to deny the existence of a pandemic, regard it as created by someone or spread conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, such an attitude shows indifference to one’s neighbor. However, everything that contradicts the commandment of love for one’s neighbor cannot be the will of God,” Bartholomew explained, thanking scientists for the creation of a vaccine in a short terms.