As Greece begins easing its lockdown, thousands of faithful filled Greek Orthodox Churches throughout the nation on this first Sunday since a forced closure in March to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Chants of liturgies were broadcast through loudspeakers as faithful congregated both inside temples, as well as in courtyards.

Throughout the country, churches took measures to keep faithful safe, including regular disinfecting of icons, as faithful venerated and kissed them one-by-one.

Masks were passed out to churchgoers and sanitizer was available throughout the churches. Services took place in orderly fashion with limits of 50 people and distanced chairs.

News reports showed Greeks elated and overjoyed to be back in churches.

Lines for Holy Communion stretched out the door as Orthodox Christians flocked to receive the sacrament. In one news report, a visibly emotional woman proclaimed “Holy Communion is life.”

Antidoro, or the small piece of sanctified bread that is given to faithful at the end of services, was passed out wrapped in plastic bags.

TV News from Open TV Channel in Greece