As new restrictions and social distancing have been implemented in Victoria, Assyrian Church of the East in Victoria has implemented new rules and restrictions as per authority’s instructions for the church services during the lock down.
Father Antwan Mikhael is the parish priest of the Mar Audisho and Mar Giwargis parishes of the Assyrian Church of the East in Melbourne. He spoke to SBS about how the church's services rules for worshipers have been changed once again to implement the social distancing for the safety of the congregation.
Now, only one priest and one deacon and very few people can be in the Sunday service at one time. Due to these measures, the church will not be able to live stream the mass via social media.
Also, for funeral services, only one member of the deceased family can attend the service. These rules have been implemented until further notice from the authorities.
Father Mikhael also spoke about the social distancing and said " As migrants, we have a habit of hugging, kissing and being so close to each others. At time like these, we should refrain from those behaviors and always be alert when we meet each other’s to prevent the further spread of the disease".