A communication urging the faithful to adhere to the provisions and instructions as they are detailed in the decree by the civil authorities, concerning the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, was issued by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Custos of the Holy Land of Frangiscans and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
As noted in the announcement, we are experiencing a time of emergency and trial because of the spread of coronavirus.
At these times, it is mentioned, “We are called to live this time continuing to trust in our Heavenly Father who takes care of all His creatures.”
Read the announcement:
Dear Brothers,
also in the Holy Land, we are experiencing a time of trial and emergency because of the virus COVID-19 that is now spreading all over the world. We are called to live this time continuing to trust in our Heavenly Father who takes care of all His creatures.
However, the ongoing emergency also makes us attentive to accomplish the provisions that the competent civil authorities enact to protect public health and the common good.
Therefore, in conformity with the recent decree of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, issued on March 5th 2020, with the present we the Heads of Churches in charge of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem urge everyone to adhere to the provisions and instructions of the civil authorities as they are detailed in the decree.
THEOPHILOS III Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
FRANCESCO PATTON Custos of the Holy Land
ARCH. NOURHAN MANOUGIAN Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem