The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Announce Measures to Counter COVID-19

OCP News Service – Menetasnot Desta – (Chief Administrator – OCP Amharic Service) – 24/3/2020

Edited by Archdeacon Tesfa Mikael Williams

Addis Ababa-Ethiopia: The hierarchy of the Ethiopian Church has approved various measurements that will be implemented on an urgent basis, to prevent the expansion of COVID 19.

Besides announcing daily Mihila (rogation prayers) for COVID 19 during the great lent season, the church banned lengthy journeys to take part in Liturgical services and conferences. This is to limit the number of attendants for Holy Communion. The Church has asked the faithful to practice social distancing and extreme personal cleanliness. The faithful has been instructed to greet each other without kissing and shaking hands.

The church urged all Christians to pray for all COVID-19 victims, and not allow them to be stigmatized and not to discriminate against Corona Virus suspects and those who have recovered.

The church additionally held incense burning in Addis Ababa, in the capital city, the city in which the majority of the cases have been reported. The Ethiopian Church calls her faithful to pray and act accordingly with the instructions of the ministry of health.

The church leadership expressed her solidarity with WHO and all international agencies who work tirelessly to counter COVID 19 by joining the handwashing challenge put forward by WHO director Tewodros Adhanom.

Source:
OCP News Service