The tragic death over the weekend of a 12-year-old girl from the coronavirus near Ghent has generated intense concern on the part of the public and extreme sadness, the Metropolitan of Belgium and Exarch of Benelux, His Eminence Athenagoras, told the Orthodoxia news agency this week.
In an interview with journalist Antonis Makatounis, His Eminence noted that religious services in places of worship in Belgium have been suspended, something he said is very difficult for the faithful and the clergy.
Additionally, the Metropolitan of Belgium said a 42-year-old priest infected with Covid-19 was hospitalized in an ICU, but is now recovering.
“The world is suffering, some countries more than others; but we hope that God will help us overcome this tragedy,” he added.