COMPULSORY VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES

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COMPULSORY VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES
COMPULSORY VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES

Africa-Press – Eswatini. Christians planning to attend this year’s Good Friday/Easter services have been advised to get vaccinated.

Normally, congregants set up camp near Lobamba, where they attend services starting on Friday.

The congregants remain at the camp until Sunday, where they join Their Majesties in commemorating the resurrection of Christ.

For the past two years, the gathering of such magnitude had been suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19.

The announcement was communicated by Chairman of the League of African Churches, Archbishop Samson Hlatshwako yesterday at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence.

He announced that Good Friday services would officially commence on Thursday when transport visits various chiefdoms to fetch Christians. He was accompanied by members from the different church denominations, which include the League of Churches, Council of Churches and Conference of Churches.

Hlatshwako said to save time Christians who would manage to access the vaccine before the services commence next week should do so.

He stated that though the ministry of health personnel would be stationed at Lobamba to provide the service, it was advisable to access the vaccine before getting to Lobamba if possible to save time and long queues.

“Good Friday and Easter is a very significant period in our calendar and they cannot be sacrificed for anything, hence we call upon the Christian fraternity to heed to the call and attend to the services.

Transport would be available from 8am till 3pm next week Thursday. I must mention that after 3pm all vehicles transporting Christians would have been stopped. This is meant to avoid transporting people late or at night,” said the bishop.

He further asserted that apart from being vaccinated, every person would undergo testing.

Vaccinate

He said the health personnel would also vaccinate those who were still unvaccinated.
“We don’t want to experience a hike in the COVID-19 cases just because of negligence in the preparations towards the services.”

Bishop Hlatshwako strongly warned Christians against visiting the nearby Manzana hot springs for bathing.

He said Their Majesties would have installed movable showers within the camp site, which should be utilised by all Christians to avoid people being mugged by thugs at the water springs.

Council of Swaziland Churches (CSC) Chairman Archdeacon Bhekindlela Magongo concurred with the bishop.

He alluded that as Council of Churches they expect Christians to be in their best behaviour throughout the services.

“Respect is key in such services, so we do not need to remind the Christians on how to handle themselves during the Easter services. May I also emphasise that every person who will make it to the service, especially the stadium, to ensure that they avoid littering. We don’t expect the place to be permeated with used face masks and takeaways containers,” said Magongo.

The pastors said they would have a meeting scheduled for Wednesday in preparation for the services.

Dominations

“Pastors from all the denominations are expected to avail themselves to the meeting. There would also be an orientation of the Somhlolo stadium by the pastors on Monday at 9am.”
Normally, the Good Friday services are graced by the presence of Their Majesties and representatives from the different church denominations.

Also expected are pastors from outside the borders who usually share the Word of God.
It must be noted that government had been strict in ensuring that COVID-19 protocols are adhered in all the major events in the country.

In the past weeks Emaswati converged at Buhleni and Hlane Royal Residences for the annual Buganu Festival, COVID-19 testing points were evident in every corner and people were compelled to utilise the services.

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