Orthodox Church resumes celebrations for birth of Virgin Mary

CAIRO – 4 August 2017: The Orthodox Church is still enforcing a suspension of religious trips made to monasteries, as per Pope Tawadaros’ decision to halt church activities until further notice, Coptic Church spokesman Bolus Halim confirmed.

The decision to halt the annul religious trips came on the heels of the Minya bus shooting attack that took place in late May, leaving 29 Copts dead and dozens injured.

Halim also added that the churches and monasteries will resume celebrations of the Virgin Mary’s birth, which falls in early September, and its respective period of fasting, which lasts for 15 days starting from Monday.