REGISTER TO ATTEND CHURCH SERVICES AND SUNDAY SCHOOL
Dear St. Sophia Stewards and Friends:
As you've read and heard, our church is once again open for Divine Liturgy! We are very excited to welcome EVERYONE back to church. There have been a few questions on what has changed and new procedures.
First and foremost, if you don't feel well, please still stay home. We want to ensure that all of our parishioners are safe and comfortable when they attend Divine Liturgy.
Registering – If you plan on attending, we ask that you pre-register online (use the links below). If you do not pre-register, we kindly ask that you fill out a paper registration form at the Pangari. This is a requirement from the Metropolis in order for us to comply with contact tracing guidelines. In the event that someone who has attended the same day as you contracts the virus, you will be contacted.
SERVICES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Upcoming Services (Saturday of Souls, Great Compline, Presanctified Liturgy, Salutations to the Theotokos): Registration is not needed to attend weekday or weeknight Lenten services as attendance is generally pretty light.
Sunday, March 7, 2021: 8:45 am Orthros; 10:00 am Divine Liturgy – To register for this service, please complete the form available at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1faxUjy0B6EF9wd-pKNKXsc4RXg6ugo4u6EaN72VXNug/edit?usp=sharing Registration for this service will close on Friday, 3/5 at 3:00 pm. Everyone will be notified by Saturday to confirm that they are registered to attend. Sunday school registration is included on this form.
*** If you have relatives who do not have email or internet access but would like to attend, please have them call Elaine directly on her cell phone (267-241-1357) to register.
Arrival – PLEASE come early! We ask that everyone arrive by the time indicated. Just like we are on time for work, school, practice and doctor’s appointments, we also need to be on time for our appointment with The Lord.
When you arrive, hand sanitizer and masks will be available for your convenience. Masks are required by all worshippers over the age of 2, and we will continue the practice of physical distancing families throughout the church. Chanters are not required to wear masks during the service but they will continue to social distance at the chanter’s stand.
Please remember that masks must be worn OVER the nose as well as the mouth at all times when indoors and in a group setting as per the CDC guidelines for this pandemic. We want to ensure that all our parishioners remain safe and healthy!
Veneration of icons and Father Peter’s hand – The faithful may return to their customary practices or continue to revere icons by bowing, depending on their comfort level. We are all asked to respect one another's choices and refrain from judging.
Holy Communion – As per our Orthodox Tradition, we are following the customary method of distributing and receiving the Holy Gifts. Additionally, Andithoron will be offered on a tray and/or in individual plastic bags. The Faithful are encouraged to receive Holy Communion as the Fathers of the Church call it the “Medicine of Life”. However, the Faithful must be prepared appropriately to receive the sacrament by prayer, fasting and if able, the sacrament of Holy Confession.
Capacity – We are currently able to welcome approximately 80 faithful into the church at a time, socially distancing families in the pews. Once the nave is full, overflow seating will be in the balcony. Again, if you do not feel well or if you are at high risk, we ask that you continue to participate from home.
As we have limited capacity, we must give priority to Stewards of St. Sophia. When attending Sunday Liturgies, you must be in church by 9:45am (on Sundays) to be checked in and screened, and you must wear a mask. When you arrive, hand sanitizer and masks will be available for your convenience. You will be required to wash or sanitize your hands.
We look forward to seeing you in church very soon!
