After relaxing of curfew measures, Qamishli Christians celebrate Feast of the Ascension

Qamishli – North-Press Agency

Reem Chamoun     

On Thursday, the Syriac Orthodox Church in Qamishli city, northeastern Syria celebrated the Feast of the Ascension, the celebration of a formal feast after more than 8 weeks of church closures as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.  

The Archdiocese of the Jazira region issued a statement on May 17th, which allowed the reopening of the churches and the performance of daily prayers, Sunday prayers, and holidays, in conjunction with the relaxation of the curfew by the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian government.    

Dozens of Christians took part in the celebration after being prohibited from holding religious rituals in places of worship since late March.

Although the participants applied the principle of "physical distancing" that the Archdiocese advocated, masks, gloves, and sterilization were not seen in the celebration.    

The bishop of the diocese of Jazira and the Euphrates, Maurice Amseih, performed the Feast of the Ascension prayer in the Church of the Virgin Mary, and he spoke about the appearance of Jesus after the Resurrection as he appeared to his disciples during the forty days following his resurrection, according to Amseih. 

Amseih concluded his prayer asking to be saved from all epidemics and diseases.  

The Feast of the Ascension is one of 12 feasts officially celebrated by the Orthodox Church during the year, including Christmas and Easter, in addition to other feasts.