Churches in Bahrain have shifted to online or hybrid prayer services since last week to ensure parishioners’ safety following the hostile Iranian attacks across the kingdom.
Additionally, other gatherings at many institutions’ premises have been held off until further notice.
St Christopher’s Cathedral has been broadcasting its services on Zoom every day at 6pm since March 1, a day after the air strikes began in the kingdom and the region.
“We have been running services online every evening to support the community around the world,” Cathedral Council chair David Axtell told the GDN.
He added that there were members of the Anglican and other Christian congregations, as well as some non-Christians, joining from Canada, Cyprus, Palestine, the UAE, the US, and Oman.
Speaking on the current situation, St Christopher’s Cathedral interregnum pastor Fr Martin Brown noted that the community in Bahrain remains strong despite the uncertainty.
Following the Iranian attacks on American bases in Bahrain and other Gulf states, many people have been gripped by panic and a sense of helplessness, prompting numerous families to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in relief camps.
“Of course there is loads of anxiety, worry and fear, especially for those whose families are overseas, away from the conflict. But we are also receiving so much support, love and prayers from people all around the world. So we are heartened and the community here in Bahrain remains strong, trusting ourselves to God’s grace and loving care,” an optimistic Fr Brown said.
While some congregations follow an online format, National Evangelical Church (NEC) in Manama, the oldest church in the kingdom, is conducting both online and in-person services.
NEC pastor Reverend Hani Aziz noted that a council comprising the church’s members was set up and a unanimous decision was taken.
“As many denominations conduct their services at NEC, they are free to decide. However, we have instructed for the prayers inside the church to be limited to one hour and for all to disperse soon after and not gather in the premises,” he explained.
St Mary’s Indian Orthodox Cathedral (SMIOC) is also following a hybrid arrangement, with daily services being conducted in-person and some others online.
“During Lent, we have morning, afternoon and evening prayers, which we haven’t changed,” SMIOC vicar Fr Jacob Karakkal explained.
“However, fewer people attend – we used to have around 100 and that has now reduced to around 30 members who live close by. We do not encourage those who live far away to attend.”
He added that the Wednesday Lenten sermon has shifted online with around 500 people tuning in from their homes. Additionally, other gatherings, including women’s fellowships, have been cancelled. The SMIOC congregation comprises around 2,000 families.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church (SHC) in Manama, which had been streaming Masses on YouTube during the recent strikes, resumed regular in‑person services yesterday. The announcement was posted on social media.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia in Awali also reverted to in-person Mass services yesterday, SHC representative Renjith John confirmed, adding that the decision has been taken after checking with the appropriate authorities.
However, other prayer meetings and gatherings remain suspended until further notice and catechism classes will continue to be conducted online for the time being.
SHC parish priest and rector Fr Francis Joseph encouraged parishioners to ‘stay strong and safe in this difficult and unfamiliar situation’, while following the instructions provided by government authorities and church officials.
Meanwhile, the apostolic vicar of Northern Arabia Bishop Aldo Berardi called on parishioners to ‘remain calm and united in prayer’.
Presently, there are 150,000 Catholics in Bahrain, with around 12 per cent of the kingdom’s population being Christian.
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