Religion in Praxis Conversations Series | Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Religion & Teologi

In the twenty-fifth episode of the Conversations Series, our host Tornike Metreveli brings up the following questions, in relation to the recent publication of Orthodox Christianity and the COVID-19 Pandemic (Routledge, 2023): In an unprecedented global crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, how do Orthodox Christian churches reconcile their age-old practices with the urgent mandates of public health and safety? This is the central question at the heart of this book and our episode. The aim is to investigate the interactions between Orthodox Christianity, a faith deeply intertwined with tradition and rituals, and the extraordinary demands of a global pandemic. The scope of this book includes a comprehensive examina-tion of how these intersections have affected the practices, beliefs, and community dynamics within Orthodox Christianity. This manuscript primarily provides a deep-dive into the churning turmoil that unfolded as COVID-19 embarked on its grim trajectory, radically altering the world’s social practices. In this vortex of change, Orthodox Christianity, steeped in a cultural landscape of tradition, encountered a unique kaleidoscope of challenges and paradoxes. The church, traditionally a sanctuary of solace for Orthodox Christians, found itself precariously balanced on the knife-edge of a conundrum, requiring adaptability and transformation in unprecedented ways. With global chaos whirling around them, believers sought solace within the comforting walls of the church. This underscored the faith's crucial role as an anchor amidst stormy seas of uncertainty. However, navigating the turbulent waters raised provocative questions: how did the Orthodox churches adapt age-old rituals in the face of socially distanced mandates necessitated by the pandemic? How did Orthodox Christians reconcile their fervent religious beliefs and practices with the stringent health mandates laid down by their governments?

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Music for the Conversation Series is generously provided by the Shavnabada Choir. The project author and the host of the Conversation Series is Dr. Tornike Metreveli.

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Religion and Theology is produced by Joel Kuhlin for the Center for Theology and Religious Studies. If you have comments or critique of this episode, or any other episodes of R&T, please contact us via the podcast's twitteraccount: @reloteol.