Christian world

Proclamation on National Day of Prayer, 2020

On this National Day of Prayer, Americans reaffirm that prayer guides and strengthens our Nation, and we express, with humility and gratitude, our “firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.”  As one Nation under God, we share a legacy of faith that sustains and inspires us and a heritage of religious liberty.  Today, we join together and lift up our hearts, remembering the words of 1 John 5:14 that tell us when “we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

The Coptic Church allows weddings with few guests

The Coptic Orthodox Church opens its doors to weddings, but with strict restrictions, that is, in the presence of only the bride and groom and a maximum of six guests.

The bride and groom will have to sign a certificate acknowledging that the maximum number of guests allowed to attend the church will not exceed six.

Notre-Dame Cathedral to hold Good Friday mass with participation of 7 people

A small congregation of believers will attend the mass on Good Friday at the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a year after the historic temple was destroyed by fire. Due to a lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, only seven people will attend the mass at the cathedral, which will be broadcast on television.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria suspends all its services during the Holy Week

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria extends the suspension of all its services throughout Holy Week due to coronavirus pandemic.

Easter Sunday is celebrated by the Copts on April 19th, as is the Orthodox Easter.At the same time the Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes that the Sacrament of Marriage does not take place at all, while only close family members can attend at funerals.

COVID-19: Pope donates 100 thousand Euros to Italian Caritas

Pope Francis contributes 100,000 Euros to Italian Caritas in a gesture of encouragement to those suffering from the COVID-19 Coronavirus in Italy.

Italy continues to be the country with the highest number of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Europe. On Wednesday, the Italian government further tightened restrictions by ordering the closure of all shops, except pharmacies and food stores.

Next Synod of Bishops in 2022; theme to be decided by Pope

At a meeting of the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis decided that the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be held in two years’ time, in autumn. He will decide on one of three themes presented to him.

The next ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops has been scheduled for "for autumn 2022", to ensure a "greater involvement" of the whole Church "in the preparation and celebration" of the synod, said a note from the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.