On January 13, 2025, the criminal court in Patras unanimously acquitted Protopresbyter Anastasios Gotsopoulos, who was accused of violating COVID-19 restrictions by celebrating the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2020, at St. Nicholas Church in Patras.
According to the news portal *Romfea.gr*, the prosecution supported the priest's defense team, which argued that the Ministry of Health’s decree banning worship services in March 2020 was unconstitutional. The judges noted that the ban contradicted the essential duties of clergy and infringed on fundamental citizen rights.
The court's decision was met with applause from the gathered congregation of believers, clergy, and monks who had come to support Father Anastasios.
In his statement, the priest emphasized that he could not accept a ban on the Divine Liturgy:
"The cancellation of the Liturgy, even temporarily, means the abolition of the Church itself. Such laws existed in Europe until 311 AD under Diocletian and in Albania under Enver Hoxha. Even Lenin, Stalin, and Mehmed the Conqueror did not dare to entirely abolish the Liturgy."
Father Anastasios added that celebrating the Liturgy is not only a priestly duty but an indispensable expression of faith that cannot be set aside "under any circumstances."
In October 2022, the Patras criminal court initially found Father Anastasios guilty of violating COVID-19 restrictions and sentenced him to an eight-month suspended sentence. However, he appealed the decision, arguing that the Liturgy ban violated both the Greek Constitution and his priestly obligations.
During the trial, a defense witness, Father Evangelos Papanikolaou—both a priest and a physician—testified that the Liturgy has never been canceled, even during past epidemics, and that a priest who ceases its celebration loses their vocation.
Faithful from across Greece and beyond sent letters of support and attended court sessions, demonstrating solidarity with Father Anastasios.
Following the trial, Father Anastasios expressed gratitude to his lawyers and supporters, stating that the legal proceedings had been a "supreme honor" for him as a clergyman. He also extended thanks to his accuser, acknowledging the case as a profound moment in his ministry.
The court’s decision is seen as a landmark ruling affirming the central role of worship in religious life, even amid extraordinary societal challenges.