12th April 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings to you in the name of the One who is the Resurrection and the Life.
Easter is, by no stretch of the imagination, the greatest of the Christian festivals, as it embraces and enunciates the good news of new life in Christ. Yet, Easter is different this year, not in its content or message, but rather, in the context in which it finds us all.
We are sharply aware of the impact that the COVID 19 pandemic is having on the world, and our region and church by extension. The implications are enormous as this virus invades every sphere of our lives, disrupting normal behavior and operations, and effectively creating chaos, uncertainty, fear and even death among us.
On the other hand, the outbreak of this Corona virus, has allowed for the massive outpouring of goodwill, generosity and courage from countless persons, especially those who are on the front line in the fight for the lives of many patients.
May I use this opportunity to remind us that we should not take this virus lightly. We may be familiar with the following information about it, yet I feel constrained to urge us to be very careful and vigilant.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Do observe and practice the following important precautions they should take to help prevent the spread of this and other viruses:
- Clean your hands often.
- Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash
- Clean and disinfect frequently touches surfaces daily
As I close, I wish to emphasize that the essential message of the Easter event is about trust in the face of doubt, courage in the face of fear, hope in the face of despair, and life in the presence of death.
It is my prayer, that, as together, we battle in this difficult time, we will do so with the knowledge and confidence, that the same Jesus, who conquered death and the grave, will enable us in our struggles, that we too, can be overcomers.
May this Easter season be one of hope, of confidence and peace, through the power of the Risen Christ.
Blessed Easter to all!
Your Brother in Christ,
Bishop Seaton