CORONAVIRUS DIRECTIVES
FROM METROPOLITAN NICHOLAS
(3-16-2020)
FROM METROPOLITAN NICHOLAS
(3-16-2020)
Beloved Faithful,
Based on the recent statement from the Archdiocese and the new recommendations from the President of the United States and the CDC regarding the necessity to limit gatherings to very small numbers:
- All services in the parish should be done with only the priest and selected staff to help with the service. Doors will be locked and no one will be allowed in.
- Parishioners should watch services on the internet from home.
- No one will be allowed into the church complex unless given permission by the parish priest. That includes all church organizations and outside organizations. Furthermore, all aspects of the complex are included in this prohibition (the church proper, social halls, Church School areas, cultural centers, etc.). In cases were there is no parish priest, the president of the parish council should contact Fr. Teodor Petrutiu (248) 330-3177 or Fr. Nick Kotsis (734) 604-3214 for instruction.
- Please note that the parish priest will still perform necessary pastoral functions. However, he may be limited in visiting nursing homes, senior facilities, and even hospitals.
In order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have entered into a time in which we all must take extraordinary measures to do our part. We will notify you promptly as we adjust to this developing situation.
Please remain vigilant in your prayers for the health and salvation of all. Please remain vigilant in your prayers for those who are already sick. Please remain vigilant in your prayers for the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals as they do their best to treat the sick and seek remedies for this virus.
While we know that everyone is affected by this situation, please keep your parishes in mind and continue to support them in every way you are able.
We will let you know as soon as any change in the situation allows for a change to these directives.
With Paternal Prayers and Love,
+NICHOLAS
METROPOLITAN OF DETROIT
FURTHER GUIDANCE
FROM THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
(3-14-2020)
FROM THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
(3-14-2020)
NEW YORK – On Saturday, March 14, 2020, the Holy Eparchial Synod convened via a teleconference to continue assessing the spread of COVID-19, commonly known as Corona Virus, and decided the following:
1) For the benefit and protection of the faithful, and taking into account the recent scientific findings, we advise our faithful not to be exposed in places of public assembly (including attending church) during the next few weeks. We recognize that this is an unprecedented situation and one that calls upon each of us to take steps to protect our fellow parishioners and larger communities. During this time, if anyone wishes not to come to church, the Holy Archdiocese extends this blessing, as such a decision is not a sin, but an act of love and responsibility for the protection of one’s self and the fellow human beings. We encourage the faithful to participate in the experience of sacred worship at home, on TV, or using multimedia platforms.
2) We are obligated to abide by the regulations of the Local and State governments, as stringent as they may be, in an effort to support public health efforts.
3) Each Metropolitan has a duty to make necessary decisions for the protection of the faithful in accordance with the public health mandates and the local restrictions regarding public assembly and other protocols.
HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
CORONAVIRUS EMAIL NOTICE FROM FR. NICK
(3-14-2020)
(3-14-2020)
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
You just received the message from the Archdiocese. Please heed my recommendations:
- Take seriously and follow this line from the Archdiocese: “For the benefit and protection of the faithful, and taking into account the recent scientific findings, we advise our faithful not to be exposed in places of public assembly (including attending church) during the next few weeks. We recognize that this is an unprecedented situation and one that calls upon each of us to take steps to protect our fellow parishioners and larger communities. During this time, if anyone wishes not to come to church, the Holy Archdiocese extends this blessing, as such a decision is not a sin, but an act of love and responsibility for the protection of one’s self and the fellow human beings. We encourage the faithful to participate in the experience of sacred worship at home, on TV, or using multimedia platforms.”
- If you have been sick or travelled recently, please watch the service from home.
- If you are in a high-risk group, please watch the service from home.
- Please be mindful of the protocols already in place.
God bless,
Fr. Nick
URGENT!
Message from His Eminence
Metropolitan Nicholas
(3-13-2020)
Message from His Eminence
Metropolitan Nicholas
(3-13-2020)
Beloved Priests of the Metropolis of Detroit,
In light of the rapidly changing situations throughout the Archdiocese regarding the COVID-19 virus, please review and follow this directive as reason-endowed sheep in the flock of Christ:
- All children’s programs (GOYA, JOY, HOPE, Young Adults, Church School, Greek School, etc.) scheduled through April 5th should be cancelled (including everything associated with Oratorical Festivals and Greek Independence Day)
- Fellowship Hour/Coffee Hour should be cancelled through April 5th
- All non-essential gatherings at the church (including all activities scheduled for seniors) should be cancelled through April 5th
- Any churches that host other groups for gatherings of any sort should cancel those activities through April 5th
- You should follow all directives from the local authorities that impact any church activities or services
I do not need to tell you the importance of our Divine Services for our people and, indeed, for the whole world. Nevertheless, rather than mandate any set of services in the parishes, I entrust each priest is to use his discretion, based on the situation in his particular locality, to determine that schedule.
Continue to guide people away from fear and, instead, to an increased knowledge and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Continue to pray fervently for a quick mitigation and end to this situation.
With Paternal Prayers and Love,
+NICHOLAS
METROPOLITAN OF DETROIT