Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church to resume Friday masses next month

Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Church is set to resume Friday masses starting next month after a six-month hiatus on the back of the coronavirus-related restrictions.

The church cancelled most public church services in March in the wake of the pandemic, partially resuming some services from 3 August as case numbers went down.

Masses were resumed in August on every day except Fridays.

On Sunday, the church said weekly Friday masses will resume starting from 11 September, with reduced numbers of congregants and other precautionary measures.

Church-affiliated nurseries will also be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity, the statement added.

Some other church activities continue to be suspended, according to the statement.

Mosques were allowed to reopen for daily prayers at the end of June, having closed in March, although Friday prayer services were not permitted.