Will the churches be open from next Monday in Hungary?

Hungary’s reformed churches are suspending their public worship services and events from Monday until the end of the month, the Hungarian Reformed Church’s synod has said. Catholics decided differently.

The government on Thursday announced new lockdown measures to combat a third wave of coronavirus infections. Under the new restrictions, almost all shops and services will close from March 8 to 22.

The Reformed Church’s synod said in a statement on Friday that in-person worship services and congregation activities will be suspended from March 8 until March 26. The synod’s leadership council recommended that congregations hold worship services online. It also called on pastors and presbyteries to find ways to help those in need.

The church said it will make a decision on Easter worship services on March 26.

Meanwhile, as we reported before, Catholic churches in Hungary will stay open and services will continue to be public, the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference said in a statement on Friday. In view of the country’s lockdown starting next Monday “churches are especially important as places for spiritual renewal and prayer”, the statement said, but added that local bishops would relieve church-goers of their obligation to attend mass.

Services will be held in line of curfew and other regulations,

with special regard to physical distancing and wearing masks, the statement said.

Source: MTI