GOOD AND EVIL THEOLOGICAL FRUITS OF THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The article explores various approaches to the Covid-19 pandemic in both global and Ukrainian Orthodoxy. It in particular differentiates between the fideistic and realistic takes on the Eucharist and the transmissibility of viruses through it. The former rejects, and the latter affirms the risk of getting infected with coronavirus through partaking in holy communion. The article also discusses various possibilities and forms of worshipping online, including the controversial practice of celebrating liturgy through communication platforms. The article suggests an updated form of the ancient agape--the meal of love that accompanied Eucharist in the early church. It also mentions the ancient and modern forms of the distribution of communion, with a special reference to the study by Fr Robert Taft, SJ. Another topic discussed in the article is the so called "Covid dissent," when people undermine or dismiss the risks and measures to prevent the spread of the disease. This dissent is popular among the Orthodox fundamentalists and conservatives, including the ones in Ukraine. The two cases of the "Covid-dissent," articulated by former Metropolitans of Kyiv Onufriy Berezovsky and Filaret Denysenko, are in the focus of the study. The article argues that the attitude to Covid-19 that these and some other hierarchs promote, is similar to the medieval "trials by ordeal," when suspects were ordered to fish a ring from boiling water or carry hot iron. They were regarded innocent only when they remained unharmed by these tests. The same attitude, the article argues, leads to stigmatization and victimization of those who have suffered from Covid-19.