A MESSAGE FROM FATHER NICK

1. The COVID protocols are still in place and will be followed.  Masks are required and the seating is socially distanced. Thankfully, we have not had an outbreak associated with any of the churches in the Metropolis of Detroit, and by God’s grace, we intend to keep it that way.
2. Please follow all the instructions and guidance of the ushers. They have a challenging job to serve all of us and maintain the protocols. Follow their directions.
3. Seating in the nave, especially for Palm Sunday, Holy Friday evening and for the Resurrection will be limited due to social distancing. We will use the choir loft, the nursery, the bride’s room, and the social hall to hold as many people, safely, as possible.  In the social hall, there will be a screen with the service being shown. Ushers will come to let people know when to come into the nave to receive Holy Communion.  
4. On Holy Friday evening, weather permitting, we will process outside with the Epitaphion.  We will not stop as normal as we process around the church. As we return to the front of the church, the kouvouklion-bearers will hold up the Epitaphion for everyone to pass under.  Then we will all gather in the turn around area in front of the church, on the grassy field area, and on the sidewalk near the front doors.  Follow the guidance of the ushers.  Instead of going back into the church, we will finish the service (the Old Testament reading, Epistle reading, Gospel reading and petitions) outside. We will also distribute the follows from the kouvouklion outside. There will be a few seats outside reserved only for those who must sit down. We will have speakers outside so the readings can be heard by everyone outside.  As well, we will have a camera outside in that area so that the people watching online will be able to view the whole service. I will repeat this directions Holy Friday night before the procession. If the weather is not good, we’ll stay inside and make use of all the space in the church buildings (see point #3).
5. On Holy Saturday night/Resurrection Service, weather permitting: we begin with the Orthros. Between 11:30-11:40, I will stop the Orthros and make the announcements and read the encyclicals as usual.  At this point, the doors into the church will be closed; no one will be let in. Outside, we will have a screen so people will see and hear what is happening in the church. As well, candles will be available both inside and outside of the church.  When I’m done with the announcements, everyone in the church will proceed outside into the same areas as described in point #4.  Once everyone is outside, the lights will be turned off.  I will bring the Holy Light from the altar outside.  As I come out the front doors of the church, we will sing, “Come receive the Light…,” “Defte lavete Fos.”  The Light will be passed to everyone outside.  With a speaker system outside, along with a camera so that those watching online can see everything that happens, we will begin the Resurrection Gospel reading.  We will announce Christ is Risen and finish the Resurrection service outside. Then those who wish stay will come back inside for the Divine Liturgy and those who cannot stay will be able to go to their cars to go home. If the weather is not good, we will stay inside and make use of all the spaces available (see point #3).
6. Please follow all the instructions and guidance of the ushers. They have a challenging job to serve all of us and maintain the protocols. Follow their directions.

May we all have a blessed Holy Week and experience a glorious Resurrection!
A Blessed Resurrection and Blessed Pascha! Kali Anastasti kai Kalo Pascha!
+Fr. Nick

cOVID POLICY