Syriac Orthodox churches set to reopen in North and East Syria

HASAKAH, Syria – The Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese of Gozarto (Jazira) and the Euphrates announced the reopening of churches and readmittance of the public to Holy Liturgy on Sundays in all areas of the Gozarto after a precautionary two-month closure due to the coronavirus.

The Archdiocese published the following message via Facebook:

Under the patronage of His Holiness, Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, we announce the reopening of our churches to believers to participate in the Holy Liturgies only on Sundays, starting from next Sunday, 17 May 2020, according to the program of each church in the Parish. We also affirm the commitment to all precautionary measures for the public safety, including: Sterilization of the churches before and after the prayer, sterilization of the hands of the believers before entering the church, the believers use of masks during the prayer, maintaining social distancing which requires only a possible number of believers in each church.

Pastoral activities, condolences cessions and spiritual meetings remain suspended until further notice.