Meanwhile, congregation members wore masks during the mass at the St. Anthony Latin Catholic Church of Mersin, where they were asked upon admission to provide the unique codes given by the Health Ministry as part of nationwide COVID-19 precautions.

A nativity scene is set up at the middle of the altar at Mersin's St. Anthony Latin Catholic Church. 

Meanwhile, the southeastern province of Mardin had all local churches disinfected on Dec. 24 in preparation for Christmas.