Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia sent a message to the faithful through social media.
Referring to the coronavirus outbreak, the Metropolitan said the global threat knew no borders and was indiscriminate.
A few days ago, the Metropolitan said, authorities of Zambia announced preventive measures for the protection of public health against the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have to closely follow the guidelines declared by the national and health authorities of Zambia, as preventive measures for the protection of public health,” he said.
He announced that, following Patriarch Alexandrian Theodore’s instructions to the Metropolises, all the churches of the Metropolis would remain closed to the public until further notice.
He also called on everybody to pray together in these trying moments for humankind as a whole.
Read the full message by Metropolitan John of Zambia
My dear Orthodox Christian Brothers,
The world faces a global threat, which does not recognise borders and discriminations. The outbreak of the New Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic has already claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people worldwide. A few days ago, the Minister of Health Mr. Chitalu Chilufya and His Excellency the Republican President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu announced several preventive measures for the protection of the people of Zambia from this pandemic. Our reaction at both collective and personal level must be direct in order to avoid the catastrophic consequences of the Covid-19. Therefore, we have to closely follow the guidelines declared by the national and health authorities of Zambia, as preventive measures for the protection of public health.
At the suggestion of His Beatitude the Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II concerning the compliance of national measures, we hereby announce that beginning on Monday, March 30th, all churches of the Orthodox Archdiocese of Zambia will remain closed to the public, until further notice. In case of emergency, contact the Archbishop or the priests of the Churches.
I recognise that these measures will affect the Christian life of our people, but believe me, they are undertaken for our common good.
Let’s pray together, in these trying moments for humankind as a whole and let’s be close to our families.
I wish the Lord will protect us from this pandemic, will cure treat persons and will strengthen the medical and nursing staff.I call each and every one of us to make his place a worship place.
With paternal prayers and blessing in Christ.
+Archbishop of Zambia Ioannis