Egypt Reopens Churches Amid Extensive Precautionary Measures

An Egyptian woman attends Bright Saturday service amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a church in Cairo (File photo: AFP)
An Egyptian woman attends Bright Saturday service amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a church in Cairo (File photo: AFP)
TT

Egypt Reopens Churches Amid Extensive Precautionary Measures

An Egyptian woman attends Bright Saturday service amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a church in Cairo (File photo: AFP)
An Egyptian woman attends Bright Saturday service amid the COVID-19 pandemic at a church in Cairo (File photo: AFP)

Egyptian churches held their mass for the first time after four months of closure due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Coptic Orthodox Church announced the measures in place to gradually reopen churches noting it had begun partially reopening churches to hold masses, festive prayers and funerals. It assured that full commitment to all precautions will be in place, with no more than one person to be seated in each bench.

The Church stressed it will reopen doors while imposing precautionary measures such as maintaining social distance and allowing 25 percent of each church’s capacity.

It identified 18 conditions for churches, priests and Christians alike such as asking each to bring their own handkerchief, a small bottle of water, wearing a face mask, banning handshakes and completely preventing anyone with high fever or respiratory symptoms from attending church.

On March 21, the church closed all churches and stopped all ritual services, masses, and gatherings as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The church’s decision came after a meeting by the Standing Committee of the Holy Synod, headed by Pope Tawadros II, to discuss the pandemic’s latest developments.

Egyptian Health Ministry announced that the total number of cases registered in the country reached 94,483 cases, including 42,455 recoveries and 4,865 deaths.

Meanwhile, Egyptian Ministry of Endowments confirmed that reports claiming it limited Friday sermon to 10 minutes are completely unfounded.

It indicated in a statement that the guidelines for the gradual resumption of Friday prayers would be announced after discussions with the government's coronavirus crisis management committee.



Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
TT

Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has called for prioritizing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, citing shared regional interests and the potential for positive outcomes.
During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Al-Mashhadani highlighted the importance of Iraqi-Saudi cooperation, particularly in addressing regional challenges. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral relations in economic and political spheres while discussing major Arab issues, including the Gaza war, Lebanon’s instability, and changes in Syria.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week in AlUla to address the challenges of the Syrian crisis, regional security, and stability. The summit focused on aligning efforts to tackle broader geopolitical issues and fostering cooperation.
As part of Iraq’s deepening engagement with Gulf countries, Baghdad recently signed numerous agreements with Saudi Arabia through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. Additionally, Iraq signed two memoranda of understanding with Oman, covering political consultations, economic collaboration, and transportation.
Sudani also received Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who delivered an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to visit Oman. Discussions emphasized on enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in oil derivatives. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stability in Syria and the need to preserve its sovereignty and diversity while supporting its people.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Albusaidi underscored the strong cultural and fraternal ties between Iraq and Oman. He noted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, trade, and finance, while underlining his country’s commitment to participate in the Baghdad International Trade Fair in February 2024.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted efforts to abolish visa requirements between Iraq and Oman, expressed hope for inclusive political progress in Syria, and pointed to Iraq’s commitment to further agreements that strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.