Greetings to Russia’s Jews on Rosh Hashanah

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/64048

Vladimir Putin sent greetings to Russia’s Jews on Rosh Hashanah.

The message reads, in part:

“Followers of Judaism in our country deeply respect the invaluable historical and spiritual heritage of their ancestors, and carefully pass on their ancient, distinctive religious and cultural traditions from generation to generation. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is rightfully considered one of the most important occasions in the life of the Jewish community. On these days, people look back on the path travelled and make plans for the future. They aspire to purity of thoughts and deeds, and help others.

I would like to note that Jewish religious associations are doing great and important work implementing socially significant charitable, educational and patriotic projects. I would like to highlight their tireless concern for strengthening peace and harmony, mutual respect and neighbourliness between people and, of course, their contribution to the common fight against the threat of the novel coronavirus infection.”

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AND ITALIAN MINISTRY OF INTERIOR: COVID-19 PROTOCOL FOR THE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

COMUNICATO STAMPA CON PREGHIERA DI PUBBLICAZIONE IMMEDIATA

Ripresa delle funzioni religiose: anche i Testimoni di Geova adottano un protocollo in linea con il Ministero dell’Interno

In linea con le indicazioni del Ministero dell’Interno, anche la Congregazione Cristiana dei Testimoni di Geova ha adottato un proprio protocollo per la ripresa delle attività religiose nei propri luoghi di culto.

Nei giorni scorsi, infatti, la Congregazione ha sottoposto al Ministero dell’Interno un protocollo adattato alle proprie specificità confessionali. Il Ministero lo ha ritenuto rispettoso delle norme comportamentali previste dai provvedimenti governativi in tema di protezione civile e del tutto assimilabile a quello delle altre confessioni relativamente alle disposizioni per le celebrazioni religiose.

Sebbene la ripresa delle attività sia già possibile dal 18 maggio, i Testimoni di Geova hanno deciso di riprendere le riunioni nei loro luoghi di culto nel prossimo futuro, quando lo riterranno ragionevolmente sicuro per le loro esigenze.

I Testimoni di Geova tengono a ringraziare il Governo, e in particolare il Ministero dell’Interno, per l’encomiabile lavoro svolto al fine di garantire il fondamentale esercizio della libertà di culto.





PROTOCOLLO PER LA CONGREGAZIONE CRISTIANA DEI TESTIMONI DI GEOVA
L’esigenza di adottare misure di contenimento dell’emergenza epidemiologica da SARS-CoV-2
rende necessario la redazione di un Protocollo con le confessioni religiose.
Il Protocollo, nel rispetto del diritto alla libertà di culto, prescinde dall’esistenza di accordi
bilaterali, contemperando l’esercizio della libertà religiosa con le esigenze di contenere l’epidemia
in atto. Il Protocollo resterà temporaneamente in vigore fino alla ripresa delle normali attività, al
termine dell’emergenza sanitaria legata alla pandemia da SARS-CoV-2. Nel caso in cui il Governo
adotti misure meno restrittive durante il graduale passaggio al ripristino delle normali attività, tali
misure sostituiscono quelle previste dal presente Protocollo.
Al fine di agevolare l’esercizio delle manifestazioni del culto, sono predisposte le seguenti misure.

  1. ACCESSO AI LUOGHI DI CULTO IN OCCASIONE DI CELEBRAZIONI RELIGIOSE
    1.1 È consentita ogni celebrazione e ogni incontro di natura religiosa nel rispetto di tutte le
    norme precauzionali previste in tema di contenimento dell’emergenza epidemiologica in
    corso. In particolare i partecipanti sono tenuti ad indossare idonei dispositivi di protezione
    delle vie respiratorie e devono mantenere le distanze interpersonali di almeno un metro.
    1.2 Nel rispetto della normativa sul distanziamento tra le persone, il legale rappresentante
    dell’Ente individua il responsabile del luogo di culto al fine di stabilire la capienza massima
    dell’edificio di culto, tenendo conto degli eventuali sistemi di aerazione disponibili e della
    distanza minima di sicurezza, che deve essere pari ad almeno un metro laterale e frontale e
    non superando le 200 unità.
    1.3 Coloro che accedono ai luoghi di culto per le funzioni religiose sono tenuti a indossare
    mascherine.
    1.4 L’accesso individuale ai luoghi di culto si deve svolgere in modo da evitare ogni
    assembramento sia nell’edificio sia nei luoghi annessi; ogni celebrazione dovrà svolgersi in
    tempi contenuti.
    1.5 Alle autorità religiose è affidata la responsabilità di individuare forme idonee di
    celebrazione dei riti allo scopo di garantire il distanziamento interpersonale, facendo
    rispettare tutte le prescrizioni di sicurezza.
    1.6 L’accesso al luogo di culto, in questa fase di transizione, resta contingentato e regolato da
    volontari e/o collaboratori che – indossando adeguati dispositivi di protezione individuale,
    guanti monouso e un evidente segno di riconoscimento – favoriscono l’accesso e l’uscita e
    vigilano sul numero massimo di presenze consentite. Laddove la partecipazione attesa superi
    significativamente il numero massimo di presenze consentite, si consideri l’ipotesi di
    incrementare il numero delle funzioni.
    1.7 Per favorire un accesso ordinato, si utilizzino, ove presenti, più ingressi, eventualmente
    distinguendo quelli riservati all’entrata da quelli riservati all’uscita. Durante l’entrata e
    l’uscita le porte rimangano aperte per favorire un flusso più sicuro ed evitare che porte e
    maniglie siano toccate.
    1.8 Non è consentito accedere al luogo della celebrazione a coloro che sono stati in contatto con
    persone positive a SARS-CoV-2 nei giorni precedenti. Parimenti, non è consentito l’accesso
    in caso di sintomi influenzali/respiratori o in presenza di temperatura corporea pari o
    superiore ai 37,5° C.
    1.9 Si dà indicazione, ove possibile e previsto dalle rispettive confessioni religiose, di svolgere
    le funzioni negli spazi esterni dei luoghi di culto, avendo cura che, alla conclusione, i
    partecipanti si allontanino rapidamente dall’area dell’incontro.
    1.10 In relazione a particolari aspetti del culto che potrebbero implicare contatti ravvicinati, è
    affidata alle autorità religiose competenti la responsabilità di individuare, per ciascuna
    confessione, le forme più idonee a mantenere le cautele necessarie ad escludere ogni rischio
    di contagio e di trasmissione del virus.
    1.11 I ministri di culto possono svolgere attività di culto ed eccezionalmente spostarsi anche oltre
    i confini della Regione, sempre che ricorrano le motivazioni previste dalla normativa vigente
    e nel rispetto di quanto previsto in tema di autocertificazione, corredata altresì dalla
    certificazione dell’ente di culto o della confessione di riferimento che attesti il ruolo di
    ministri di culto e la natura delle attività religiose che svolgono.
  2. ATTENZIONI DA OSSERVARE NELLE FUNZIONI LITURGICHE
    2.1 Per favorire il rispetto delle norme di distanziamento, è necessario ridurre al minimo la
    presenza di ministri officianti, che sono, comunque, sempre tenuti al rispetto della distanza
    minima.
    2.2 Tutti i presenti alle funzioni pubbliche per il culto possono cantare su una base musicale
    preregistrata.
    2.3 Gli aderenti alle rispettive comunità assicurino il rispetto della distanza di sicurezza per
    almeno un metro.
  3. IGIENIZZAZIONE DEI LUOGHI E DEGLI OGGETTI
    3.1 I luoghi di culto devono essere adeguatamente igienizzati prima e dopo ogni celebrazione o
    incontro.
    3.2 All’ingresso del luogo di culto dovranno essere disponibili, per coloro che ne fossero
    sprovvisti, mascherine e liquidi igienizzanti e un incaricato della sicurezza esterna,
    individuato a cura della autorità religiosa e munito di un distintivo, vigilerà sul rispetto del
    distanziamento sociale e limiterà l’accesso fino all’esaurimento della capienza stabilita.
  4. COMUNICAZIONE
    4.1 Sarà cura di ogni autorità religiosa rendere noto i contenuti del presente Protocollo attraverso
    le modalità che assicurino la migliore diffusione.
    4.2 All’ingresso del luogo di culto dovrà essere affisso un cartello con le indicazioni essenziali,
    tra le quali non dovranno mancare:
  • il numero massimo dei partecipanti ammessi, in relazione alla capienza dell’edificio;
  • il divieto di ingresso per chi presenta sintomi influenzali/respiratori, temperatura corporea
    pari o superiore ai 37,5° C o è stato in contatto con persone positive a SARS-CoV-2 nei
    giorni precedenti;
  • l’obbligo di rispettare sempre il mantenimento della distanza di sicurezza, l’osservanza di
    regole di igiene delle mani, l’uso di idonei dispositivi di protezione personale, a partire da
    una mascherina che copra naso e bocca.
    ALTRI SUGGERIMENTI
    5.1 Ove il luogo di culto non sia idoneo al rispetto delle indicazioni del presente Protocollo, può
    essere valutata la possibilità di svolgere le funzioni all’aperto, assicurandone la dignità e il
    rispetto della normativa sanitaria, con la partecipazione massima di 1.000 persone.
    Il Comitato Tecnico-Scientifico, nella seduta del
    _____________________________________________________ 2020, ha
    esaminato e approvato il presente “Protocollo per la Congregazione Cristiana dei Testimoni di
    Geova”.
    Il presente Protocollo entrerà in vigore a far data dal giorno ____________ 2020

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES— HALF A MILLION TIED IN VIA STREAMING IN ITALY FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF THE YEAR

On April 7, because of the limitations imposed by the Coronavirus emergency, for the first time all those who want to will be able to attend the Memorial of Christ’s death through the www.jw.org Web site. It is estimated that twenty-one million people worldwide are going to attend

ROME—On Tuesday, April 7, 2020, Jehovah’s Witnesses will observe the Memorial of Jesus’ death, which they consider the most important event in the year. This year, because of the ongoing pandemic and in compliance with governmental ordinances, they will exceptionally be attending from home through a streaming connection: half a million people in Italy and 21 million people worldwide can attend the observance via streaming along with their respective communities or by visiting jw.org, the confession’s official Web site.

On the night before he died, Jesus commanded his followers to commemorate his death, saying: “Do this as a memorial of me.” (Luke 22:19, JB) It is to obey this command that following the custom of the early Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses gather together to observe the Memorial once a year, on the date corresponding to the day that Jesus died: Nisan 14, according to the Hebrew calendar used in the first century (which this year falls on April 7, after sundown).

The event is free and accessible by everyone, even those who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here is the link to access the observance:

https://www.jw.org/it/biblioteca-digitale/video/#it/mediaitems/LatestVideos/pub-mo-tk20r_1_VIDEO.

Further information is available on the homepage of the jw.org Web site.

Eventsrdc – Les Témoins de Jéhovah annulent tous les grands rassemblements à travers le monde suite au COVID-19

Link: https://www.eventsrdc.com/religion-les-temoins-de-jehovah-annulent-tous-les-grands-rassemblements-a-travers-le-monde-suite-au-covid-19/

JW – Coronavirus Update and Response

The world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (known as COVID-19). We know from Bible prophecy that pestilence is a notable feature of the last days. (Luke 21:11) When there is an outbreak of disease, it is wise to take practical measures to protect ourselves as well as others.—Proverbs 22:3.

Some may wonder how our brothers and sisters are doing in the affected areas. The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly impacted the branch offices and congregations in Italy, Japan, South Korea, and other countries. In some cases, the branch office has had to cancel tours and visits from outside guests. In other cases, the government has restricted large public gatherings, which has required the branch to cancel circuit assemblies. Additionally, congregations have had to adjust arrangements for the ministry and congregation meetings in some areas. Despite these challenges, our brothers continue to build themselves up spiritually and encourage one another.—Jude 20, 21.

In these situations, our brothers have found the principles below to be helpful. These points may also assist you and your family if you are faced with an outbreak of disease in your area.

  • Do Not Panic. While it is good to be alert to epidemics and to take reasonable precautions, the response should be a measured approach based on facts, not on fear.—Proverbs 14:15; Isaiah 30:15.
  • Follow Government Recommendations and Directives. Local authorities often implement precautions or restrictions for public health. It is good to keep informed and comply with the government’s directives.—Romans 13:1.
  • Promote Good Hygiene. It is essential to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. We should also keep frequently touched surfaces clean in our home and at our Kingdom Hall. Additionally, medical experts discourage shaking hands in such situations, as this could continue the spread of disease. Regarding the coronavirus, the World Health Organization has provided additional advice for the public.
  • Show Love to Others. While we all know the importance of attending Christian meetings and participating in the public ministry, if you are sick, it is best to stay home to avoid infecting others. This shows brotherly love and protects our brothers and sisters and our non-Witness neighbors.—Matthew 22:39.
  • Follow Temporary Adjustments to Congregation Arrangements. In areas where there is an outbreak of disease, it may be necessary for the branch office to temporarily cancel congregation meetings, assemblies, and other theocratic events. This has been the case in some areas where the COVID-19 virus has hit the hardest, such as in certain regions of Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Based on local circumstances, the elders may be able to provide access to recorded meetings, which publishers can watch from home. Publishers may be able to participate in the ministry through phone calls, text messages, e-mails, or letters.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IN OUR PUBLICATIONS

Below is a selection of references with helpful principles for disease prevention.

Source: https://www.jw.org/ase/news/jw/region/global/jw-coronavirus-update-and-response/

Coronavirus: Jehovah’s Witnesses cancel historical evangelism in UK

With the apparent failure of the western powers to contain a further spread of the contagious coronavirus, a religious organisation, the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW), has cancelled its historical mode of evangelism across the United Kingdom.
For fear of the disease, the Christian religion organisation, for the first time in the history of its existence, announced the cancellation of its evangelism activities, including house-to-house, street and literature cart witnessing in the entire UK.
The cancellation was coming for the first time in 139 years since the religion sect got to London in 1881 and the opening of its first branch there in 1900.
A source based in London told Tribune Online that the JW has further announced the cancellation of their usual Sunday meeting gatherings in their entire place of worship, known as Kingdom Halls, in the whole of the United Kingdom.

ALSO READ: JAMB kicks off in Kwara without hitches

“Local congregation body of elders now awaits further directives from JW headquarters and branches in what will unfold in the coming weeks,” the source further revealed.

CM_TO_Top Responsive – LB1

As contained in Wikipedia, JW originated as a branch of the Bible Student Movement which developed in the United States in the 1870s among the followers of the Christian Restorationist minister, Charles Taze Russell.

The Bible Student missionaries got to England in 1881 and the first overseas branch was opened in London in 1900, while the group took on the name, International Bible Students Association and by 1914, it became active in Canada, Germany, Australia, and some other countries.

The group grew rapidly in the mid-1930s with the introduction of new preaching methods and it adopted the name, Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931, but further cut ties with its founder, Russell.
JW made substantial organizational changes and further refinement of its doctrines led to the prohibition of blood transfusion by members, abandonment of the cross in worship, rejection of Christmas and birthday celebrations, among others.

Source: https://tribuneonlineng.com/coronavirus-jehovahs-witnesses-cancel-historical-evangelism-in-uk/

TNN – How World Ignored Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Warning on Coronavirus

File: Combating Coronavirus in China. Credit, New York Times

By Jethro Ibileke

The deadly Coronavirus, like the Spanish Influenza, is currently spreading like a wildfire around the world and is taking tolls on the lives of people on its path. This deadly disease might sound strange and new to many, including even health care providers and experts, but, actually, Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious group, had sounded a warning of its emergence 15 years ago, in one of its magazines, Awake!

Writing on the subject “The Next Global Epidemic, WHEN?” December 22, 2005, edition of Awake! did not only raise the alarm that a pandemic virus might emerge in China or a nearby country, but it also warned that it might emanate from an animal and could surface from antigens or virulence factors derived from animal influenza viruses.

Read how Psychic Sylvia Browne, in her book, End of Days? also ‘predicts’ Coronavirus here

Photos of the front and inner pages of the Awake! magazine has since gone viral.

The Awake! edition

The magazine quoted the medical journal, Vaccine, of 2003, which warned: “It has been 35 years since the last influenza pandemic, and the longest interval between pandemics recorded with certainty in 39 years. The pandemic virus may emerge in China or a nearby country and could surface from antigens or virulence factors derived from animal influenza viruses.

“It will spread rapidly throughout the world. Several waves of infection will occur. Morbidity will be extensive in all age groups, and there will be widespread disruption of social and economic activity in all countries. Excess mortality will be evident in most, if not all age groups. It is unlikely that health care systems in even the most economically developed countries will be able to adequately cope with the demand for health care services.”

The relevant page of Awake! On the subject

Related stories: Read how a writer, Dean Koontz, also accurately predicted Coronavirus 40 years ago here

Read how, like Coronavirus, 1918 influenza originated from China, here

True to this prediction, the influenza pandemic began in China, from where it has spread to other parts of the world. And according to the warning, even with its huge economic base, China has not been able to cope adequately with the sensor health care services.

For instance, it was reliability gathered that price of common nose mask made in Nigeria has tripped in recent times, from N500 per pack to N1500, due to the hot demand for it from China.

Just how serious is an Influenza pandemic? The issue of Awake! warned of the seriousness of an outbreak of an Influenza-like Corona Virus, when it quoted John M. Barry, author of the book, The Great Influenza, who said: “A terrorist with a nuclear weapon is every national politician’s nightmare. A new influenza pandemic should be.”

Perhaps the whole world would not have been in this precarious situation it finds itself now, if governments, medical experts, health care providers and bodies like the World Health Organization, WHO had taken seriously the warning sounded by the Awake! magazine and took proactive steps to nip it in the board.

Awake!, a quarterly magazine published by the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is the second most widely circulated magazine in the world, after its sister publication, The Watchtower, with a total circulation of 93,354,000 copies in 222 languages of each edition. It is renowned for its in-depth and accuracy in research on whichever subject it decides to delve into.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses might not be as popular and loved by many, as they have received a lot of backlash from individuals and other religious organizations due to their doctrines, but certainly, they deserve respect for their zeal in their worldwide preaching and Bible educational work.

Numbering over 8,683,117 in over 240 lands, these Jehovah’s Witnesses have always warned of the of pestilences and deadly plagues, as prophesized by Jesus Christ, using Luke 21:11 and Revelation 6:8 as references.

Source: thenewsnigeria.com