This question sparked many discussions among the churches, both among the pastors, as well as among the church members. Someone has resolved to have it, some delayed it for better times.
In the April newsletter, we sent out a questioner with only two question wishing to give an opportunity to our brothers and sisters to express their opinions. It is remarkable that only a few dozen people took advantage of this opportunity to express their point of view. Some of them filled out the form a few times which was identified by their IP address of their modem.
To the first question: “The communion must take place only by being physically present either at church or in the home”, 26% responded affirmatively, 66.3% were against it, and 7.7% marked that they have another opinion on this matter, but did not share their opinion on the matter.
The second question: “In the extreme circumstances, the communion could take place in an online format”, 80.8% responded affirmatively, 15.4% were against it, and 3.8% had another opinion.
Although 11.5% of those who filled out the forms had other opinions, only three people shared their opinions. One said, “Yes, there is some room for adapting to the circumstances of life”, second said that the first church always held the communion at the houses, every day. We should not be so attached to our traditions. There seems to be certain traces of Orthodoxy”. The answer of the third person was not completely clear: “You should have a questioner: What is more important, the Trinity or the communion? Let’s see what our members will say”. Perhaps this person will follow up and clarify his/her point of view. It would be also helpful to clarify why he/she was trying to compare such different concepts as the Trinity and the communions.
It was not clear, why so few people took advantage of the opportunity to share their opinions. What is this? Are they not able to type? Are they not sure how to express their own opinions? Are they afraid?
Regardless, according to the questioner, the majority of the people support the idea that under the extreme circumstances, it is permissible to have the communion online. Perhaps this conclusion will somehow relieve the burden of the pastors who are either making the decision, or have already made the difficult decision to depart from the thousand-year tradition and have the communion under the different circumstances.
After all, this is the remembrance of Christ; this is a union of worshiping Him for His sacrifice at Calvary, and celebrating His victory, which He secured for everyone in their eternal salvation.
Let His Name be lifted up and glorified!
Olga Avetisova
