Egypt’s Catholic Synod extends suspension of masses nationwide

CAIRO - 10 May 2020: The Egyptian Catholic Synod extended the suspension of masses nationwide in light of efforts to curb the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, according to a statement from the Synod on Sunday.

"Masses at the churches will be performed by the church pastor and only two or three deacons with the absence of the churchgoers," the statement said, noting that marriage ceremonies will be attended only by the bride, the groom, and six guests.

Meanwhile, baptism ceremonies will be attended by the parents and only four people besides the deacon and the servant.

On May 1, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of Saint Mark, his Holiness Pope Tawadros II, decided to allow marriage prayers, known as the “sacrament of marriage,” to take place in churches and homes during the Holy Fifties period, while setting a condition for the number of the attendees.

The Coptic Church said in an official statement that the newlyweds will write a declaration that the attendees should not exceed six with one priest and one deacon; all the precautionary measures to prevent COVID-19 spread should be taken.