Click here for the decision of the Holy Eparchial Synod:
Dear Parishioners,
I know many of our faithful miss coming to church for worship, especially during Lent and upcoming Holy Week.
We will especially miss receiving the sacred palms, unction, flowers, candle light, eggs and of course the Eucharist during this time.
However, please know that our Holy Eparchial Synod of bishops consulted with leaders and experts among the clergy, doctors, public health officials and law enforcement before making the agonizing decision to keep the churches closed and not distribute sacred items in any manner or form. This is to reduce as much as possible the risk of spreading the Coronavirus. Please consider it a sacred duty and obligation at this time.
Let us turn our hearts to God in heaven and pray that He may bring a swift end to the plague of the Coronavirus. Let us sing, “Lord of the Powers, be with us. No other helper do we have in times of tribulation but You. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us!”
We are united even when we are apart. We are all one in Christ Jesus our Lord (Galatians 3:28) and members of one another (Romans 12:5). Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38).
Therefore, please do not start or sign any petitions to alter or circumvent the directives of the Synod. They will not change anything for Holy Week but only serve to sow seeds of doubt and divide the flock of Christ.
-Fr. Rick