COVID-19 Update (May 10, 2020)

At this time, you do not need to sign up for services in advance.

We typically have two Liturgies every week: one weekday Liturgy at 8.00 am, and the normal Sunday Liturgy at 9.00 am.  This may vary depending on special feasts and celebrations. We will also have a daily Vespers (Wednesday) and Great Vespers (Saturday) at 6.00 pm. See the calendar for service time.

Observe the following:

• If you feel sick, have a fever, cough or shortness of breath – stay or return home.
• When arriving at church we ask you to “sign in” by the entrance. This list of attendees is only used in-house, and only in the case of an outbreak.
• Please make sure to give space to people around you (that includes the foyer, fellowship hall and the parking lot before and after the service).
• Families and couples (same household) should try to stand together, in order to make room for more people. 
• You need to wear a face mask while in church, except while taking Communion or venerating icons. Singers and clergy may be temporarily exempt during the service. Children under 5 are also not required to wear a mask. You are encouraged to bring your own, but we have disposable ones available. If you cannot wear a face mask for health reasons, please speak to the clergy.
• Clean your hands before handling candles, which you may light and place yourself as you offer up your prayers.
• When entering church, you may venerate the icons in normal order.
• Antidoron (“blessed bread”) is handed out by the priest at the conclusion of the Liturgy, at the veneration of the Cross.
• High risk or vulnerable parishioners are encouraged to attend weekday liturgies (with lower attendance), or contact the priest to hear their Confession and bring them Communion.

Communion in the Liturgy will happen in the following manner:

• Communion will be served to all Orthodox Christians who are properly prepared to receive.
• Keep some distance from others when approaching the Chalice. Wait until the communicant in front of you leaves before stepping up to the Chalice.
• Carefully wipe your own mouth with the communion cloth (held by the servers). You will be offered to kiss the Chalice.
• If you would prefer, you may still move to the side and wipe your mouth with a paper napkin provided and put it in the nearby bin.

Needless to say, visitors, inquirers and catechumens are also welcome to attend.

If you are Orthodox and plan to receive Communion, prepare as you should: with prayer, fasting and recent Confession. (If you are an Orthodox visitor, please contact Fr. Andreas before coming up for Holy Communion.)

Weather permitting, we are usually having an informal fellowship time at Blue Heron Park (in Phoenix, OR) following Sunday morning Liturgy. You are welcome to join us there and bring your own picnic basket, coffee, snacks and utensils. Remember to abide by Oregon COVID-regulations while in the public park.