Egyptian church suspends all services for a month due to COVID-19

The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt has suspended Sunday schools, meetings and mass services for a month to fight the spread of the coronavirus. (File/AFP)

• Within the past 24 hours, five priests of the Coptic church have died after being infected with the virus
• Funeral prayers will be held with one priest and one deacon along with the family of the deceased

CAIRO: The Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt has suspended Sunday schools, meetings and mass services for a month to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Within the past 24 hours, five priests of the Coptic church have died after being infected with the virus.
A statement issued by the church, headed by Pope Tawadros II, said that after the increase in the number of new cases it had decided to work with the churches of Cairo and Alexandria to suspend Sunday schools, meetings and all service activities to protect children and society.
It was also decided to suspend the month of Kiahk evenings, and instead follow the recorded nights that will be broadcast on Christian satellite channels. Funeral prayers will be held with one priest and one deacon along with the family of the deceased, preferably in cemetery churches.
Baptisms can be conducted in the presence of family only, with no more than four individuals present. Studies will continue in seminaries, institutes and educational centers with an attendance of 25 percent, and church officials and members must apply the precautionary measures.