This commentary is not a news item. A fact that is of special value nowadays.

I am not implying that there was indeed some news about the Archdiocese, that something negative happened, and that you missed it. You did not miss it. There was simply no news.

The point is, there have been no articles in The National Herald or in the American media criticizing the Ecumenical Patriarchate or our Archdiocese regarding the issue of our time: the coronavirus.

And there was no news, that is to say, no bad or embarrassing news, because everything was done on their part with wisdom, with knowledge, and with speed and clear communication.

Their positions are based on science and not on conspiracy theories or harmful religious fanaticism.

In contrast, we are reminded of what happened in some cases in Greece as well as in the United States.

Based on the scientific data, the decision was made to close the churches. On Sunday, the photographer of The National Herald visited some parishes around Long Island, and assured us that our priests were performing their Liturgy, but in front of empty stalls.

Fortunately, in many cases, the Divine Liturgy is being broadcast electronically.

Schools have also closed, and the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to the United States in May has been postponed.

The Clergy-Laity Congress was also postponed.

The same goes for the Ionian Village summer camp in Greece.

Thus, proper measured decisions – based on love that protect the people and consequently our churches – were made by the Archdiocese and our Patriarchate.

And this is always the case under the guidance of an enlightened leadership in the Phanar that monitors everything, in all its jurisdictions, with an alert eye.

The decision to close churches to the faithful was not easy, but it was necessary.

And it was not easy because there is also a practical dimension: the financial one.

During this time (Easter), is when the churches are most filled. So how will our parishes cope with their financial obligations with empty pews?

And, of course, let’s hope they hold their festivals in the summer – another vital financial resource for parishes. Otherwise, there will be financial problems.

However, the health of our people is more important than economic calculations.

And once again, our Patriarchate, as well as the Archdiocese of America, under the dynamic leadership of our new Archbishop, have made the right decisions.

This is more proof of why leadership is so important.