UPDATED POLICIES FROM THE METROPOLIS: (A parish perspective is listed in the following bulleting topic)
"In response to the present conditions, and following the advice of a panel who has worked with His Eminence in the past on the pandemic policies, His Eminence is making the following adjustments effective immediately for all communities in the Metropolis:
- All non-worship in-person activities (except charitable outreach) must switch to distance meetings & sessions (ie via telephone or videoconferencing). This includes Sunday School and Greek School, pre-marital counseling, Parish Council and Philoptochos meetings, social activities, etc. There will be no coffee hours or receptions at the parishes.
- Worship and charitable outreach activity (food distribution, hat & coat distribution, etc.) continue to be permitted under the present "Green Phase" policy (except in counties under their respective state's highest warning level), provided that the Metropolis policies regarding masking and distancing are being diligently observed and followed. Those communities unwilling or unable to abide by these "Green Phase" masking and distancing policies will be directed to follow the "Red Phase" standards (i.e. minimum complement in worship, not to exceed 5 persons including the priest).
The above adjustments are in effect until at least Saturday, January 2, when the situation will be re-evaluated using updated information at the time."
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR PARISH: We are able to continue to worship as we have been (masks, distancing, sanitizing, check-in, 50% max occupancy, etc). Coffee hour and any in-person meetings are suspended until further notice, but we are encouraged to gather via phone or zoom.
The Nativity Fast intensifies: We have entered the more strict portion of the Nativity Fast, please do your best to join in on the fasting to properly bring in the Feast of the Nativity.
UPCOMING MEMORIALS:
- THIS SUNDAY - Trisagion for James A. Bolimos (18yrs)
- December 20th - Memorial for Katherine (40 days) and John (10yrs) Gliptis
Philoptochos' Annual Anderson Candy Sale - DUE SUNDAY: Philoptochos is taking Christmas orders for Anderson's candy through Sunday, December 13th. Forms are in the Narthex or call Mary Menis to place an order.
CALENDARS, CHRISTMAS CARD, AND DECEMBER VOICE COMING THIS WEEK!
GOYA ZOOM CALL WEDNESDAY AT 7PM
NATIVITY SCHEDULE: We look forward to having you join us for the great feast of the Nativity at the following services either in-person or on our livestream:
- December 24th
- 10am Royal Hours
- 5pm Vesperal Divine Liturgy
- December 25th
- 9am Orthros
- 10am Divine Liturgy
Philoptochos' Vasilopita Fundraiser - PICKUP DEC 20th or 27th
HOPE & JOY TOY DRIVE - COMPLETE: THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! Our 49 physical toys have been distributed to the Neighborhood Resilience Project, previously FOCUS Pittsburgh. The Women's Shelter in Beaver will recieve the Gift Cards due to their COVID-19 restrictions. Another group in need, please also consider taking gifts directly to Salvation Army in Aliquippa as they also expressed a need.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESCHEDULE: Our scheduled meeting for November 29th was about 8 members in good standing short from having quorum. Please be on the lookout for a new meeting date to see the 2019 Audit, 2021 Budget, official update on the Architectural work, and other important information. Thank you to those who took the time to join in person and via zoom.
2021 Stewardship Drive: Join us as we make our plans for 2021 by submitting your 2021 Stewardship Card, which was on the back cover of the Voice Newsletter. Copies are available at Church as well. Stewardship is our greatest fundraiser and also lets us know that you stand with us. We thank you for your dedication over the years and especially during 2020 and look forward to many years of serving you and your family through your generous donations.
CHECK-IN VOLUNTEERS: In the current policies of the metropolis we are required to have a check-in person or team for every service. We are looking for additional volunteers who are willing to come a little early to check people in and, if able, to help sanitize after the services. Please contact Fr. Anastasios if you are interested in helping a necessary function during these times.
ONLINE GIVING & STEWARDSHIP: Is OPEN! Online giving can be found by clicking here! Please consider your continued support of our church through becoming one of our online giving families. You can make general contributions and stewardship contributions.
REGULAR GIVING: The church is still accepting donations in normal ways through the mail and drop off. Thank you to all of those who have continued to contribute in these challenging times.
Live-Stream: If you don't have a Facebook account, don't worry! You can still access our services right on our website (HTGOC.ORG) or a larger video directly on facebook, learn more by watching the following video: