Greek Orthodox churches across the country will allow congregations of hundreds of people to sip wine from the same spoon during mass because "the holy cup cannot carry disease," the Archdiocese said.

Key points: Australian Medical Association associate professor Julian Rait said the move by the church put parishioners at risk

Australian Medical Association associate professor Julian Rait said the move by the church put parishioners at risk In Australia, 373,000 people identified as Greek Orthodox in the 2016 census and 40 per cent were aged over 50

In Australia, 373,000 people identified as Greek Orthodox in the 2016 census and 40 per cent were aged over 50 The Catholic Church and Anglican Church have ceased serving wine in the common cup, due to coronavirus

Greek Orthodox priests dip a spoon into a chalice of wine and place it into the mouths of parishioners, as part of communion during mass. The spoon and chalice remain the same throughout the ceremony.

A spokesperson for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Steven Scoutas, said anyone showing signs of illness should stay away from church gatherings.

"But once we decide to go to church, we believe there is absolutely no possibility of contracting disease from the holy cup," he said.

"We believe that no disease or illness can exist in holy communion, which we believe is the body and blood of Christ," Reverend Scoutas said.

Associate Professor Julian Rait said parishioners were being put at risk by the Greek Orthodox church. ( ABC News )

The move was criticised by the Australian Medical Association (AMA), which said parishioners were being put at risk, especially when the majority of them were elderly.

"I would doubt very much their faith would provide the protection they believe," AMA associate professor Julian Rait said.

"It's an ill-considered and unscientific position to hold, and it's putting people at risk."

Mr Rait said the spoon could spread saliva, and therefore COVID-19, between parishioners.

He implored the church to change its position.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people were to be suspended from Monday, amid fears about the spread of coronavirus.

He added that churches with large followings might have to consider adding extra services to keep numbers under 500.

Last week, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference urged a number of measures to reduce transmission of the virus, including stopping communion being distributed from the chalice and the removal of holy water from stoups.

In a statement, the conference said dioceses and parishes should consider the changes "given the regular assembly of large groups for liturgical celebrations and a number of enquiries from dioceses, parishes and individuals".

The Catholic Church and Anglican Church have ceased serving wine in the common cup, due to coronavirus, and Australian Christian Churches — a movement of Pentecostal churches — said it was being guided by the Department of Health.

Margaret Court's church says 'Blood of Jesus' offers protection

Victory Life Centre, which is a non-denominational Christian church in Perth founded by Margaret Court, also believes its faith will protect its congregation.

The church issued a statement on its website that said COVID-19 "will not come near our dwelling or our church family".

"We are praying daily for you, knowing that we are all protected by the Blood of Jesus," the statement said.

In Australia, 373,000 people identified as Greek Orthodox in the 2016 census — roughly 1.5 per cent of the population. Forty per cent of the congregation were aged over 50.

Australia's major Greek Orthodox churches can attract congregations of hundreds of people for weekend mass, with numbers of attendees typically increasing from now until Greek Easter in mid-April.

During Easter week, thousands of people attend mass and drink wine from the same spoon, with congregations in some churches spilling out onto the street.

Earlier this week, the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, cancelled its annual Greek National Day parade due to coronavirus. Thousands of schoolchildren were due to march through the streets to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance at the parade.

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria cancelled its annual Greek National Day parade last week due to coronavirus (file). ( ABC News: Angela Ross )

The president of the secular Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales, Harry Danalis, said the church needed to follow the advice of medical authorities.

"I think they're morally bound and legally bound to follow those directions," he said.

However, the Archdiocese said it would be business as usual.

"It's not a matter of listening to [anyone]. It comes down to religious rights. If a government is going to impose its own view on matters of faith, where does one stop? We will continue as we have during the [past] centuries," Reverend Scoutas said.

Coronavirus is spread through close contact with an infected person and also direct contact with bodily fluids of someone who is infected.

A Clinical Infectious Diseases study found traces of the virus were detected in the saliva of 90 per cent of infected patients.

Victory Life was approached for comment.