The Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut announced that churches will open to celebrate Mass on Saturdays, Sundays, and only on major holidays, without any activities during the rest of the week. The attendance will not exceed 30% of the church's capacity.
The National News Agency reported that the Maronite Archdiocese of Beirut distributed a circular to priests, monks, and the faithful of the Beirut Maronite Diocese regarding the reopening of churches for Mass on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, emphasizing that the participation rate must not exceed 30%. The statement stressed that priests must adhere to preventive measures and ensure the necessary conditions for the faithful to participate in Mass, such as preparing teams to assist in respecting health standards during the service, designating seating areas, ensuring ventilation while the faithful are present, conducting regular disinfection after each service, and organizing the way believers approach for communion while maintaining a safe distance. The use of liturgical books is prohibited, and masks must be worn throughout the Mass. Additionally, Masses will continue to be broadcast via social media to allow remote participation.
The diocese's statement requested that a suitable place be provided for believers wishing to receive the sacrament of reconciliation (outside of Mass times and according to a specific schedule). It noted that attendance at funerals would be limited to the immediate family of the deceased, and no rooms would be opened for condolences. The celebration of the sacraments of baptism and marriage is suspended to prevent subsequent celebrations and gatherings that do not adhere to health safety guidelines. Meetings of committees, parishes, brotherhoods, boy scouts, and various spiritual activities (such as first communion preparations) are also to be suspended.
The statement requested that this circular be effective starting Saturday, February 27, 2021. Given the sensitivity of the situation and some believers' fears of participating in services, Bishop Paul Abdel-Sater reminded that the obligation to attend Divine Liturgy on Sundays and major holidays could be dispensed, as per the announcement made on March 18, 2020, advocating for increased prayer and following liturgical celebrations via media and social networking avenues.
This statement comes as an acknowledgment from Bishop Paul Abdel-Sater and the priests of the Council of Priests regarding the difficulty of keeping church doors closed to many believers, who yearn to participate in the Eucharistic celebration and receive the Body of Christ, especially during this challenging period we are all experiencing, which requires intensified prayer and supplication to God to resolve the various ongoing crises, especially those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
