‘Greek Orthodox Church ready to receive worshipers’

KUWAIT CITY, July 9: Bishop Ghattas Hazim, the Priest of the Greek Orthodox Church in Kuwait and Diocese of Kuwait and Baghdad with their affiliations, revealed that the church along with a number of churches in Kuwait has started daily prayers from last Sunday and are awaiting approval of the official authorities to hold Friday Mass in the presence of church members.

In a press statement, Bishop Hazim said, “Following the decision of the esteemed Cabinet to restart Friday prayers in the mosques from July 17, we are awaiting the decision of the concerned authorities to launch prayers in the churches on Fridays in the presence of the masses of worshipers according to health procedures and requirements.”

He explained that the Greek Orthodox Church is ready to receive worshipers. It has taken all necessary health measures, completed the sterilization of the premises and implemented various measures to ensure social distancing and wearing of masks and gloves, etc.

The concerned authorities in the Ministry of Interior represented by Hawally Security Directorate had visited the church and praised the efforts in this regard. Bishop Hazim affirmed that a portion of the daily prayers is dedicated to praying for Kuwait, for the protection of His Highness the Amir, and the government and people of Kuwait from all evil and harm, and for perpetuating the blessing of security, safety, tranquility and prosperity, as well as for the removal of the COVID-19 pandemic from the country and the rest of the world.

In this regard, Head of the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait (NECK) Pastor Emmanuel Gharib affirmed that his church has launched daily prayers last Monday, which will continue until Thursday, while waiting for issuance of new instructions.

In a press statement, Pastor Emmanuel said, “There is a great coordination with the Ministry of Interior in terms of conducting various prayers. I anticipate that after the Cabinet has issued a decision to allow mosques to restart Friday prayers, we will also be allowed to resume our usual daily prayers, especially on Fridays during which services are held from morning until evening.”

He thanked the Kuwait Red Crescent Society as “they contacted us to find out when will we restart the prayers in order to provide sterilizers, masks, gloves and other means of protection”. Pastor Emmanuel concluded by saying, “This is Kuwait, and this is the love and harmony upon which the Kuwaiti society is built.”( Al Anba)