A Video Message from Fr. Michael
May 27th, 2021
Beloved Parishioners,
The purpose of this letter is to let you know what to expect when you visit our Saint Sophia, when that time comes.
When can we open our parish? Our parish is currently open according to the Washington State Phase II Guidelines.
Who can attend? Applying Whatcom County Covid guidelines, 60 people at a time may attend services inside the church building during Phase III.
Please call Fr. Michael to let him know that you are interested in attending a Divine Liturgy. His number is (360) 734-8745. He will make a schedule based on the allowed capacity of the church and pastoral considerations.
As a reminder, our services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook.
Social distancing: Keep a distance of at least six feet from one another. The pews will be marked according to CDC guidelines. Sit in pews as directed by the usher. Families may sit together.
Must we wear a mask at church? Yes. Following Whatcom County and Church guidelines, a mask must be worn in the church at all times. We encourage you to bring your own mask, but if you don’t have one, one will be provided for you in the narthex. We recognize that this may not be pleasant for any of our members and your priest, however your cooperation is appreciated. Please see this as an opportunity to offer a sacrifice of Orthodox Christian love for your neighbor.
Candle lighting and icon veneration Candles will be set out for you to offer a donation and to light. You can also leave your weekly stewardship offering in the designated basket (we will not be passing a tray as usual). Please do not kiss the icons. You may venerate the icon by bowing and making the sign of the cross.
Receiving Holy Communion Please walk from the right aisle toward Fr. Michael. At the time of the writing of this letter, we are instructed to receive Communion in the traditional method using the common spoon with one change. Our bishop counsels communicants to tilt back their head and Fr. Michael will “drop” the Holy Communion inside the mouth. Please do not touch the spoon with your lips. Please do not wipe your mouth on the communion cloth. Antidoron will be placed on a tray; take one. Walk to your seat from the middle aisle.
Bathroom use The bathroom will be cleaned after each use by a designated usher. Keep the door open after use. Please do not flush disinfectant wipes down the toilet (they can clog the sewer).
We are all eager to return to our Saint Sophia and restore parish life, but when this happens, we will have to be much more deliberate. We need to be thoughtful, patient, flexible and cooperative. As we prepare to restore parish life, we are providing the outline above to assist you and welcome you back with open hearts. Be assured the church has been cleaned and will be after each service.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Fr. Michael at (360) 734-8745. You may also contact Christos Christoforou at (360) 395 8852.
With Much Love in Christ,
Fr. Michael Tervo and the Parish Council of the St. Sophia Parish
Office Phone: (360) 734-8745
Beloved Parishioners,
The purpose of this letter is to let you know what to expect when you visit our Saint Sophia, when that time comes.
When can we open our parish? Our parish is currently open according to the Washington State Phase II Guidelines.
Who can attend? Applying Whatcom County Covid guidelines, 60 people at a time may attend services inside the church building during Phase III.
Please call Fr. Michael to let him know that you are interested in attending a Divine Liturgy. His number is (360) 734-8745. He will make a schedule based on the allowed capacity of the church and pastoral considerations.
As a reminder, our services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook.
Social distancing: Keep a distance of at least six feet from one another. The pews will be marked according to CDC guidelines. Sit in pews as directed by the usher. Families may sit together.
Must we wear a mask at church? Yes. Following Whatcom County and Church guidelines, a mask must be worn in the church at all times. We encourage you to bring your own mask, but if you don’t have one, one will be provided for you in the narthex. We recognize that this may not be pleasant for any of our members and your priest, however your cooperation is appreciated. Please see this as an opportunity to offer a sacrifice of Orthodox Christian love for your neighbor.
Candle lighting and icon veneration Candles will be set out for you to offer a donation and to light. You can also leave your weekly stewardship offering in the designated basket (we will not be passing a tray as usual). Please do not kiss the icons. You may venerate the icon by bowing and making the sign of the cross.
Receiving Holy Communion Please walk from the right aisle toward Fr. Michael. At the time of the writing of this letter, we are instructed to receive Communion in the traditional method using the common spoon with one change. Our bishop counsels communicants to tilt back their head and Fr. Michael will “drop” the Holy Communion inside the mouth. Please do not touch the spoon with your lips. Please do not wipe your mouth on the communion cloth. Antidoron will be placed on a tray; take one. Walk to your seat from the middle aisle.
Bathroom use The bathroom will be cleaned after each use by a designated usher. Keep the door open after use. Please do not flush disinfectant wipes down the toilet (they can clog the sewer).
We are all eager to return to our Saint Sophia and restore parish life, but when this happens, we will have to be much more deliberate. We need to be thoughtful, patient, flexible and cooperative. As we prepare to restore parish life, we are providing the outline above to assist you and welcome you back with open hearts. Be assured the church has been cleaned and will be after each service.
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call Fr. Michael at (360) 734-8745. You may also contact Christos Christoforou at (360) 395 8852.
With Much Love in Christ,
Fr. Michael Tervo and the Parish Council of the St. Sophia Parish
Office Phone: (360) 734-8745
