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GHADA BARSOUM — EMAN SHENOUDA Table 1. Types of newly introduced services Newly Introduced Services Responses % Remote medical service through volunteering doctors 64% ICT-savvy youth helping in setting new systems 34% Youth taking part in delivery of meals 32% Meals prepared for people who were sick with COVID-19 26% Volunteer Drivers to take COVID-19 patients to clinics 18% ICT-savvy youth training others on technology 15% Providing medical support to congregants was another key service, to be discussed in more detail below. Summarizing the services offered, the following quote lists all the approaches adopted by one church in the governorate of Bani Suef. The priest notes: All services continued (during the pandemic) except for Sunday school for the primary and preparatory levels, and there are two priests, the number of families served is 500 families. We had a medical service, where we brought oxygen devices and medicines to quickly deal with patients in the area. The pandemic also allowed for the discovery of new servants, making good use of the tremendous energies of young people (St. Mark’s Church, Beba and Fashn District, Beni Suef Diocese). This quote puts, in a nutshell, the details of the service in one church as its leadership sought to adapt to the pandemic-induced situation. The survey’s data also shows that 82% of the participating priests stressed the importance of spiritual pastoral care and prayer meetings using digital technology. One respondent noted in explanation that “prayer is the key to heaven and the door of hope for everyone.” Regarding the frequency of prayer meetings, survey data showed that 32% met with the congregation for prayer once a week, while 22% indicated that they met with the congregation for prayer daily (at a fixed time agreed upon). This demonstrates that the church’s spiritual focus is on reaching out to congregants, “as one heart to commune with God, fulfilling God’s promise that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in their midst,” as one priest put it. Another priest also emphasized the continuous encouragement to pray at all times “because it makes individuals feel the peace of God that fills their hearts to face any crisis.” Given the importance of focusing on children and youth, a large number of priests (87%) reported that their churches continued to provide Sunday School service remotely. This highlights the Church’s concern for all age groups and that they did not leave children to face their fears alone during this time. Communication with the served individuals included social media, phone calls, + 20 +
