جميع كنائس هيوستن تظل مغلقة حتى مابعد عيد القيامة.

Dear Houston Coptic Congregation, Grace and peace. As you know we are experiencing an unprecedented global health crisis that has greatly impacted our daily lives. The spread of COVID-19 has adversely affected the lives of many in the form of health issues, closed businesses, lost jobs, and restriction of many of our normal day-to-day activities. Most of all, as Orthodox we have been affected by the closure of our beloved churches. These closures were made to protect both the local congregations as well as the surrounding community at the request of HH Pope Tawadros II and in response to the ever-changing guidelines of the medical experts at the CDC and the orders of various federal, state, and local authorities. As Holy Week is approaching we face a difficult decision. Should the churches remain closed as they are? Should only a limited number of people be allowed in the church? What would that look like and how fair would that be? After discussion with all the Houston priests and approval of our beloved bishops, and to provide for the safety of the congregation and community, all the Houston churches have decided to remain closed until after the feast of the Resurrection. At that time, we will discuss again to see how we want to move forward. Each church will provide its own recommendation for how you can attend virtual Holy Week from your homes. During these troubling times we continue to hold steadfast in faith and say with St. Paul the Apostle: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” May the Lord bless you all during these difficult times and please remember that the power of the Resurrection overcomes all forms of death and brings spiritual healing to all that believe in its power. God bless you. Fr. Bishoy George Fr. Athanasius Kaldas Fr. Younan William Fr. James Gendi Fr. Matthias Shehad Fr. Polycarp Shoukry And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)