Our island’s positive image in relation to the pandemic has certainly taken a hit. First and foremost, we must offer our condolences to the family of the one (and let’s hope it will be the only) victim. Let us wish our fellow islanders, who are facing such a difficult time these days, a speedy recovery and victory. However, we must assess the scope of this situation and highlight how well our island’s healthcare system responded. It contained the initial outbreaks by conducting the necessary contact tracing swiftly and effectively. The 500-plus negative test results that followed, conducted by a special team from EOPYY, confirmed the readiness of our hospital. We must not forget that the hospital treated cases—with whatever resources it had available—with exemplary preparedness and the ability to prevent the spread of the pandemic. We must respect the work of its staff by scrupulously adhering to the necessary measures, so that our own irresponsibility does not burden them in their difficult work during these trying times. We must all exercise the utmost caution. Personal responsibility is the best prevention against this disease. Wear a mask everywhere; avoid gatherings; avoid unnecessary contact.
Any attempt to link our island to the cases on Naxos—especially through a pilgrimage—should unite us all in the struggle to uncover the truth. It was not the people of Kythira but the pilgrims from Naxos who ignored the scientific evidence. We must safeguard our island’s reputation, and this can only be achieved through our commitment to the principles of science. We must not give the slightest cause for false rumors. The piety and discernment of the people of Kythira will safeguard the Holy Pilgrimage Sites.
Now the views and practices of extremists—so-called experts—are crumbling day by day. Now even the most «skeptical» are heeding scientific advice. Now the wise saying: «If only I had known this sooner’ may be taking root in everyone’s mind as they witness the grim reality, regardless of whether pride prevents them from publicly admitting it.
As I write this note, my thoughts turn to the ailing ANASTASIOS. I happened to meet him, and he made me understand what it means to be an Enlightened Hierarch. Our wishes for a speedy recovery and for the restoration of his health are the very least we owe him.
