Few Copts of Egypt have expected to enjoy all the trappings of a traditional Orthodox Christmas this year but new countrywide restrictions, which came into force on Wednesday, will limit festivities to the smallest of family gatherings.
As Egypt faces the second wave coronavirus outbreak, the country’s Coptic Christians and eastern orthodox churches have been forced to celebrate Christmas on Wednesday within their homes amid the closure of monasteries and churches.
However, this year, things will of course be quite a bit different as Egypt and the rest of the world navigate the restrictions that have been put into place to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The annual Orthodox Christmas, one of the most iconic celebrations, will not take place and the long services which always mark the Feast inside churches will not be allowed this year.
Milad Aziz, who sells the elegant carved wooden figures and decorations for which this region is famous, said that, despite the decline in business profits, it was the right decision - one which, he said, should have been made sooner.
"I think it's a good decision because there are no other plans right now."
Pope of Alexandria Tawadros II on mid-night yesterday presided the Coptic Christmas Eve Mass at Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi al-Natroun without worshippers.
Lately, Priest Paul Halim, the official spokesperson for the Coptic Orthodox Church said the church had lost a large number of its clergy and priests to coronavirus since the pandemic took hold.
It’s worth mentioning that as a result of the coronavirus, the pope will not receive officials at the Pontifical Residence as usual.
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