Manila on lockdown; travel cancelled

In order to constrain the spread of COVID-19 virus, the city of Manila is to be locked down for the next month. Exactly how that is to be applied remains to be seen, but it is clear that there will be no domestic travel from Manila – including flights from the capital to the Davao region, where severe travel restrictions are also in effect.

No flights from Manila
No flights from Manila are available until mid-April.

Father Silouan remains in the USA. His airline tickets to return to the Philippines have twice been cancelled. His plan is now to serve in his home parish in Washington State for the rest of Lent. God willing, air travel will resume in mid-April, in time for him to return to St John’s and serve the end of Holy Week, and Pascha on April 19.

Parishes in Southeast Asia are serving the Prayers in Time of Epidemic after every Divine Liturgy. Of your charity, please remember in your own prayers not only those who are or may become sick, but those who are in fear, and the many Orthodox and neighbors whose livelihood is interrupted, who are experiencing hunger because there is no work to be had.

The torments of Hades have encompassed us, and the darkness of death covers us, and as wax before the fire, our days melt before the face of Thine anger, O Lord. But as Thou art compassionate, remember mercy in Thy wrath, and spare Thy people, that being alive, in repentance we may glorify Thee as the only Lover of Mankind.
— from the Molieben in Time of Epidemic


Update:
Travel Restrictions

Far from easing, restrictions on travel have grown more strict.

US State Department issues ‘level 4’ warning against international travel

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19… In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States.

The US Embassy and Philippine authorities are organizing “sweeper flights” to evacuate US citizens stranded in the Philippines.

Father Silouan

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