Owing to the increase in the number of people infected with Coronavirus in Jordan, we are following the developments relevant to the new measures adopted by the government, which require joint intensification of efforts to confront and curtail this pandemic.

From this premise, we announce the following to all priests and parishioners in the Kingdom:

First: The need to fully and strictly comply with the precautionary health instructions--as applied to individuals and groups of people-- implemented by the official and competent authorities.

Second: Calling on all parishioners to abide by the decision to implement a lockdown on Fridays and to suspend celebrating Holy Masses in churches.

Third: We call upon the faithful who attend Holy Masses in churches to abide by the instructions issued by the Council of the Heads of Churches which include maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and gloves, as well as sterilizing hands before entering the church.

Fourth: Regarding holding ecclesiastical services, namely the sacraments of baptism, marriages, and funerals, they are to be held in the presence of the parish priest, family members, and close relatives only, with the specified number of attendants approved by the official authorities and according to Defense Orders, where it does not exceed 20 people, while taking into consideration measures related to social distancing and public safety.

Fifth: Out of our concern for the health and safety of everyone as well as in compliance with  the directives and recommendations of the official authorities, we ask our beloved faithful to avoid holding social events and private gatherings in homes such as (condolence houses, home engagements in houses, wedding parties, baptism parties, and special occasions) and to reduce in light of these current circumstances as much as possible the frequent visits to relatives and friends that are subject to legal and judicial accountability.

We plead with the Almighty Lord to eliminate this pandemic, as well as protect our churches, our mosques, our society, our country, and the world at large.