I had a neighboring priest from a Melkite Greek church, invite me to a Mary Magdalene service. I love the stories of Mary Magdalene and told him I’d love to attend but that I could not wear a mask. He told me to attend anyway. The service was packed with mask wearing parishioners. I believe I was the only one not wearing one. This was 2021. Not one person said a thing to me, nor did I receive dirty looks when I went up to take the blessing of communion (not the bread).

This priest also told me in another conversation, that most who have not lived in a Communist country, had no idea what was taking place, but he did, because he was raised in one.