I feel concerned that Many Egyptians are taking the pandemic easy not realizing it may not be under control for a long time. Will they turn the blessing of the controlled situation into a curse through poor perception and underestimating the seriousness of the situation and not adopting the cautionary measures set by the government and local authorities! The government has proved it is able to manage the crisis with remarkable vigilance and unprecedented control, but the citizens are still playing catch me if you can game with the government. WHO representative Jean Jabbour recently explained the low number of coronavirus cases in Egypt in comparison with the huge numbers in Europe, US and South East Asia. Mr Jabbour’s said that the situation in Egypt, the Middle East and Africa reflected the level of acquired immunity of the people of these countries. This immunity, he said, was high because it was acquired in response to low levels of hygiene and healthcare, and high rates of pollution. In countries with better healthcare and hygiene conditions, Mr Jabbour said, the acquired immunity is not that high. The declined hygienic conditions, he explained, boosted the ability of people to fight infection far higher than that of populations of well developed countries. However, Mr Jabbour warned, it was not right to rely on this fact and overlook strict cautionary measures, because if the virus overtook the acquired immunity, it would spread like wildfire, almost unstoppable. I see several wrong deeds and bad attitudes like ignoring social distancing rules, rushing to buy food more than need, rejecting to comply with the necessary preventive measures of quarantine by some Egyptians returning back home. Sadly, they claimed that the conditions of their quarantine and the services provided to them were substandard, claims that were proved false. Another unacceptable behavior was the unreasonable reckless rush by some Egyptians who thought that the suspension of schools and universities and businesses that was an invitation for outings, partying and gatherings in gardens, beaches and touristic resorts. Others insisted on breaking the curfew hours set by the government. Shame on those who commit such acts not realizing that they may lead to a catastrophe.

Everyday we read about theories that announce the end of America as we are in a war against America not against “Covid19”. People still don t feel that we are facing a serious disease and instead to focus on fighting this pandemic we started to analyze what s after Covid19. People have the right to analyze the future after Covid 19 but not to wish and dream for America to die after this pandemic. It s well known that after any pandemic there are a lot of events that could happen such as famine, wars or changing regimes, however, this doesn t apply only to America but to each country.

Copts have celebrated the feast of the glorious Resurrection amidst churches closure due to the Corona virus. Coptic people suffered during the Holy Week and suffered also from social distancing and curfew. Women were indeed suffering the most since they are not able to visit the closed beauty centers and were not able to put on their pretty new clothes of the feast. These measures were taken to face the invisible virus in a war that is led by scientists and doctors, and not supported by many people who don t follow the rules and decisions to prevent the spread of the virus, and participate actively in risking the lives of everybody. In all cases the pandemic increased the doctor s value, and hopefully the scientists as well. I wish everybody many happy returns and safety and speedy recovery for the whole world

Resurrection offers hope for everything and stands before every tribulation and every problem. The picture of Jesus Christ who raised from the dead indeed gives hope that life is behind death and light is behind darkness, and every problem has a solution. Thus, Pope Shenouda III told us in his article The Resurrection is the source of hope. that Resurrection gives every person hope and joy that death is not the end. The church cites in funerals the verses of Psalm: The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the Lord is exalted; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. I shall not die, but live, (Psalm 118). It even assures in the prayers that There is no death for God s servants, but traveling . Victory over death gives us even hope in every single tribulation and suffering since God has already triumphed over the worse and the most powerful, which is death. The resurrection raised the morale of man and made him believe that everything is possible with God, as the Apostle Paul said: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4: 13). Thank you, God, for the glorious gift of the resurrection, which gives us hope that you are able to relieve us of disease and the epidemic from the world

Sham al-Nasim is a pharaonic feast that has been celebrated for 4700 years. It is named after the Pharaonic word Shumu, which is a hieroglyphic word means to bring life back. Celebrating Sham El-Nessim has certain rituals, and ancient traditions that span thousands of years. Old Egyptians used to start a folk festival in the morning and to go out during the day and enjoy open areas and gardens carrying special food for the day, especially the colored eggs and special kinds of fish. The first celebration of Sham El-Nessim was nearly five thousand years, that is about 2700 B.C., under the rule of the Third Pharaonic dynasty, and it was embraced by the Egyptian people and celebrated each year till today. According to the discovered murals and papyri, the ancient Egyptian man used to give his wife a lotus flower and then go out with his family to visit open areas and finally participates in the great Spring Festival in front of the northern front of the pyramid before sunset. The sun rays penetrate the top of the pyramid, so the front of the pyramid appears as if split into two parts. This popular feast was being celebrated by all classes of the people until the Pharaoh himself and the senior statesmen. Shammoush feast of the Pharaohs represents the resurrection of life. The feast is associated with astronomical phenomena and the spring solstice, which is the day in which the day and night are equal. The British astronomer and mathematician "Bractor" recorded this phenomenon, and was able to photograph the moment of the split of the pyramid s façade in the year 1920, and it was also recorded by the French scientist Andre Bouchon in 1934 using infrared radiation. Many happy return to the Egyptians on this very spacial occasion.

With whats going on right now and everyone is quarantined at home, people have to seize this opportunity to think about others and look backward of who you should ask about and you didn t from long ago. While we are celebrating resurrection, we need to know that resurrection not only to celebrate that Christ raised from the dead but also to celebrate the chance to raise ourselves from any weakness we face or suffer from.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. This prayer was for those who crucified, insulted and whipped him, and he wanted to teach us forgiveness that we need while we are in the midst of this world which is dominated by fanaticism and hatred. HG Bishop Takla of Dishna in his article (tolerance and forgiveness) explained to us the need to acquire the virtues of tolerance and forgiveness, especialy as we celebrate the Holy Week. Violence and hatred can only be stopped by love, wisdom and tolerance. Thus, Jesus said: But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (Matthew 5: 39) This is Love mentioned in (1 Corinthians 13) that is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. However, this doesn t mean to forget about your rights as Jesus refused to be beaten without cause: “If I said something wrong,” Jesus replied, “testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?”. Furthermore, St. Paul demanded his rights and appealed to Caesar. Tolerance is a virtue mixed with growth, and we are asked to use it for unlimited times and for all people, just as God forgives us. We need to pray for those who offend us and never offend back. May we learn from Jesus Christ who forgave those who crusified him.

Corona virus that killed thousands of men putting a challenge to all scientific, cultural and financial achievements of men. Man, who thinks of himself as superior to the rest of the creatures is powerless to stand up to the tiny virus. Under this tragedy, we find people refusing to allow a funeral of a doctor to pass by or to bury her body thinking she is too dangerous for their lives. However, it is known that the virus can only transfer through living people. In fact, the demonstration to prevent her burial is one violation of safety procedures to face the virus. We find other people demonstrating in Alexandria to face the virus, and now others are demonstrating to stop a funeral. We don’t give much concern to science, and follow superstition. The same people who prevented the burial of a woman don’t follow the most simple rules of social distancing and personal hygiene. It is contradiction that should be investigated before it is too late.

All human beings are honoring the praising the sacred role of doctors, nurses and pharmacists during the crisis of Corona virus. They have become the first line of defense in the battle. The White Army soldiers who are exposed to direct danger while facing the pandemic that plagued humanity in all parts of the world. We have to offer them the due appreciation and reverence for their great sacrifice, and they are indeed in dire need for our support in such exceptional difficult and extremely dangerous conditions in the face of a pandemic. On the other side there are inhumane, even immoral, and totally unjustified actions taken by some mobs who don’t appreciate such sacrifice. Those mobs who don’t represent the majority of the Egyptian people fear dealing with doctors and some of them refused to bury a doctor in the city’s cemetery thinking she could bring them infection. Such irresponsible acts can lead to the collapse of medical system. In fact, the world will not defeat the Corona virus except by showing mercy, forgiveness, compassion and cooperation with one another and with the government. All humans should also show respect for science and doctors who work hard to save human beings.

Christ is coming on a colt to visit our open hearts as churches are closed. Let’s offer our properties and pure hearts under his feet as the people of Jerusalem received him on Palm Sunday. We may avoid shouting crucify him with the Jews who were stupid enough to believe they are more important than Jesus Christ. Just like some people who visit the church on the feasts to be praised for doing so by church leaders instead of being humble and thankful to be allowed in the house of God. Those people were expelled by Jesus Christ from the temple since they trade on the house and its Lord. On the contrary, God opens his house and arms for the simple whose houses and hearts are opened churches at all times. It was written by Al-Maqrizi in the eleventh century when the ruler Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah closed the churches of Egypt for nine years, but one day he wandered around houses of the Copts to see how the decision affected their faith, but he heard praises and prayers coming out from all Coptic houses. The ruler said: Let them pray as they wish, because I wanted to close a church in each street, but today I discovered that my decision opened a church in every single house! The churches are now closed due to the epidemic, but the Lord will gather us shortly to wash us the legs and hearts since he loves Egypt and its people. Egypt was mentioned 560 times in the Old Testament, and 24 times in the New Testamenet. Many times were its people and its cities mentioned in the Holy Bible. Many Happy return to the blessed Egypt His people.

The whole world now has nothing to talk about except opening the economy, from what I read about different pandemic in the past that a lot of countries rushed to open the economy and that caused a lot of death to happen more than before. For Example, when the Spanish flu started, many states in the US rushed to open the economy and unfortunately that caused more death than the benefits people get from opening it.

A reassuring message is written in the bible in (Habakkuk 3:5). It says: Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. The book of Habakkuk sends reassurance in the souls that the epidemic, no matter how severe and powerful, it fades before God Almighty. His Eminence, Benjamin Bishop of Menoufia, said in his article The Epidemic and the Work of God explained to us that God is accepts prayers in the time of the epidemic, just like God stopped the epidemic spread in front of Moses the Prophet and Aaron. The high priest took incense and ran among the congregation. We need to trust in the power of the Lord and remember his promise: Surely he will save you from the fowler s snare and from the deadly pestilence. (Psalm 91: 3) Bishop Bemjamin made clear that the appearance of the pandemic has its medical reasons, as well as spiritual ones. For example, the lack of true worship and the spread of weak prayers and transcendence, self-love and hidden hatred and other misdeeds. This was the reason of the epidemic as stated in (Deuteronomy 28: 20) The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him. The real solution is the necessity of repentance, and this is what we learn from the account of the Samaritan woman, the people of Nineveh, the blood-bleeder who has recovered, the daughter of the widow and the paralytic, the blind child, and many who have received the blessing of recovery mixed with repentance.

Visit Egypt from home is a slogan raised by the Ministry of Tourism in its campaign to organize virtual visits to archaeological sites with a 360-degree photography online technique. This comes under the precautionary measures taken due to the spread of the Corona virus in many countries of the world. The Ministry started this project in cooperation with foreign archaeological institutes, as it began displaying the Menes Cemetery, one of the nobles tombs in the Western mainland in Luxor, which dates back to the eighteenth family in cooperation with the American Research Center. Officials of the American Research Center showed on their official page the scenes of the cemetery in Luxor accompanied by the comment: A pleasant visit to this beautiful cemetery, and wait for more archeological sites every two weeks until the end of the summer season. The online tour offers an explanation in English for all the details of the cemetery that kept its colors over thousands of years. This technology allows the visitors to get closer to details of the cemetery. The ministry confirmed that this step came to promote Egypt in all countries of the world where this idea will develop in displaying some of the archaeological places during the coming period. A greeting to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and to everyone who contributed to the work of this initiative.

Despite the spread and the suffering of the Corona virus epidemic, many people are still wandering in the streets for no good reasons. Many women in popular areas allow their children to play in the streets as if they are in vacation. It seems that the story of people’s failure to adhere to moral standards and public procedures existed many years ago. It was documented in a social study by the researcher Yaqoub Fam, entitled ‘Studies in ethics of raising boys’. The study was prepared more than 70 years ago. The researcher says that individuals in developed countries makes every effort to make its residents comfortable. He mentions a story about his trip to the USA where he and his friend were riding a car and using a powerful torch to light the way. sometimes the writer pointed it at houses, but his friend rebuked him assuring that this mistake may annoy people and wake them up. The writer said that in developed countries people can’t do this or even use the horn at night for the same reason. It should be known that laws are not the only reason his friend wanted to respect others, since such laws come to assure what is already respected in the society. This should be reflected in the current crisis of Corona virus as people should care for the others, and not only for their own benefits.

I wonder how could a group of businessmen demand the sacrifice of thousands of individuals in order to save the country from bankruptcy? The Corona catastrophe came to reveal the reality of human selfishness, and the survival instinct that don’t mind sacrificing others in order to save oneself. Our planet is full of hopes, aspirations, contradictions, tragedies, love and hatred, or simply good and bad. It has so many social classes, the rich, the average, and the poor. All of them are struggling to survive the pandemic, but how can they do this away from hateful selfishness. The Titanic ship gives us a lesson through the love between the poor man Jack and the Aristocratic girl Rose showed us that human beings are able to love and care for one another as people. Jack sacrificed his life for to save Rose and caring for one another is the key to success and overcoming the crisis of corona, and preventing the country from bankruptcy.

After this pandemic hit Egypt, the main concern now is the irregular workers who don t have any back up plan to feed their families. Unfortunately, Egypt doesn t have any plan for such people and they will suffer either from hunger because they don t have any other source of income or they will suffer from threats of being sick because they have to leave their homes and work to feed their families.

In the framework of the fight against Coronavirus, Egypt s president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi held a meeting with senior officials to put a plan to combat the spread of the virus in addition to securing borders and countering terrorism. This is the opposite of what was done by the Turkish president who exploited the Corona virus and transmitted it by his mercenaries in Libya. Furthermore, he is trading on the crisis by collecting donations and opening a bank account to raise fund for fighting Coronavirus. Yet, this didn t prevent him from receiving a plane from Qatar worth of $ 500 million in addition to supporting his mercenaries. There is no comparison between President Sisi and the terrorist Erdogan who committed different international crimes. I don t like to praise presidents and leaders, but I see future vision and plan implemented by the Egyptian government to save the country against the intimidation of Coronavirus.

We experience today a great trick promoted by the media, which is called the Coronavirus. We have experienced similar tricks like swine flu and Ebola virus. It happened that a friend of mine passed away, after suffering from Cancer. His funeral was held in a popular neighborhood called Bassatin, where the people are having a normal life without extra cleaning or sanitizing procedures and non of them put on a mask. Yet, they have suffered nothing and non of them was reported positive! In few days, the world will announce the end of the epidemic and that the crisis is over. I know the crisis is only caused by illusion where a person is under the illusion of a high temperature, or shortness of breath, which are the symptoms promoted by the media. This is our real virus that exaggerate the problems.

Our Christian believe that God disciplines those whom He loves. For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. (Proverbs 3:12) This is clear as the psalm says: ‘ The Lord has chastened me severely, But He has not given me over to death. (Psalm 118: 18) Thus, if we consider such pandemic as punishment or rather a discipline from the Lord, we should not forget about his love as lover of mankind. He only wants us to return to his bosom and to live with him. It is written: ‘Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. (Zechariah 1: 3) Also Jesus said: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Matthew 5: 17) However, he is offering forgiveness ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1: 9) In fact, God is trying to return us by all means. It is not a matter of wrath, but endless love. He is God who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ((1 Timothy 2: 4)

The peoples of the world are now living in a climate full of anxiety and fear of infection with the Coronavirus amid strict precautionary measures taken by the governments all over the world as a result of this deadly epidemic. All institutions were affected, including churches and monasteries of various denominations. The people were deprived from participating in prayers and Sunday Schools, and they were only allowed to watch them online. Christian televisions are broadcasting several programs and are doing a great service at this difficult time. People are praying to God to save them from this pandemic, especially as we approach the celebration of resurrection. Yet, the procedures may be prolonged, and the strict procedures may continue. This means that the people will be deprived from attending the Holy Liturgy inside the Church. At such hard times, most countries of the world cooperated and leave the differences aside, even problems and wars and unite to care for humanity and to support one another. I know that Christian Channels broadcast the prayers, but there are different timing, which means each country has different celebration. I hope that all the peoples unite and broadcast each liturgy from different country on time starting with New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Europe And east of the United States of America, Canada and Australia, the Gulf states, Egypt and the south and west of the United States. This will allow everybody to follow-up services inside the church as full as possible even if they are not allowed to attend church due to Coronavirus.