Some Preliminary Guidance from the Metropolis of San Francisco
Approved by the Metropolis Vicars and Metropolitan Gerasimos- May 20, 2020
As our parishes begin to open the doors to our faithful these guidelines have been prepared to assist the Reverend Clergy of the Metropolis of San Francisco in imparting the Grace of the Holy Sacraments to the people of God.
It is anticipated that in the opening of the Churches the following will be in place:
1) The number of parishioners allowed in the Church will be determined by local and state health departments.
2) Social distancing of 6 feet or more maintained throughout the Church except for members of a Single household who may sit together.
3) The wearing of face coverings/masks by ushers and parishioners (No masks for children under 2 and parental supervision required for children 3-8).
4) Hand Sanitizer stations will be located just outside the main entrance to the Church or in the Narthex. Restrooms must be properly stocked with soap, paper towels, etc. for handwashing.
5) Disinfection and cleaning of Church before and after the Service (If two Liturgies are served on a Sunday, before and after each service).
More details will be forthcoming.
Greek Festival Update
The prayers of the Festival Committee for good health and resilience are with our parishioners, our community and our world in these uncertain times. We have been paying close attention to the safety, health and social distance guidelines as they continue to evolve, leveraging information from both our church hierarchy and civil authorities.
We continue to approach the challenges of this pandemic with optimism and an open mind, but as time has progressed and more information is known the probable realities for our festival are starting to emerge. This includes hosting a significantly reduced event, with minimal (if any) ability to allow patrons to gather and possible cancellation.
We understand the weight and implication of such decisions about our festival. We are meeting on a regular basis to reflect on the guidelines unfolding before us and brainstorming on creative ideas to adapt. We find inspiration in the leadership of our Metropolis and Archdiocese, keeping faith in God and the safety of parishioners, guests and communities as our top priorities.
Our sights are set on the first week of June to settle on a path forward. This will give us the opportunity to learn from the outcomes of Phase I, as well as gather more information on the exact guidelines of Phase II, which will be critical for our planning and preparation activities over the summer. We aim to present a recommended plan to the Parish Council at their June 14th meeting and will provide an update to our entire parish community shortly thereafter.
All ideas, suggestions and questions are welcome and appreciated. Please email them to Dimi at renogreekfestival@yahoo.com.
Please note that the following ministries will resume once given the clearance that it is safe to congregate once again.
- Sunday School for Kids K-8
- College Outreach Ministry
- Archangel Michael Food Barrel
Planned Giving
Through a charitable gift, you can have a significant positive effect on the ministries of the Church and those people whose lives are changed because of them. The impact of your gift will be felt for years and generations to come. Consider making a gift in one of the following ways: •Bequest •Matching Gift •Gift of Cash •Gift of Securities •Gift of Life Insurance •Gift of Real Estate •Qualified Retirement Plans •Charitable Gift Annuity •Deferred Gift Annuity •Charitable Lead Trust •Charitable Remainder Trust. Planned giving can be very rewarding, allowing you to see your gift at work while receiving tax benefits now. More information is available at the church office.
Coronavirus Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every corner of our world. In the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, all seven states, 67 parishes, and three monastic communities, have had to make significant adjustments to worship services and ministry activities during this time when people are directed to stay at home and shelter in place. We know this presents challenges on many levels, but the Metropolis has compiled a unique page to include special resources for Worship, Technology, Finance, and Ministries. Please visit this address to view the Resource Page:
https://sanfran.goarch.org/pages/coronavirus-resource-page
Additionally, the Archdiocese has a similar page with resources available, including a newly announced COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist individuals who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Visit: https://www.goarch.org/covid19
Reminders
Currently, our services are not open to the public and will be conducted only by Father Stephen and one or two chanters and acolytes. Please understand that these measures are being taken in order to halt the continued spread of this virus, and our concern here is not just for one another but also for our neighbors throughout the larger community, and so the measures are being undertaken as an expression of love. As way of reminder, please note that:
All programs (Church Sunday School, Greek School, Bible Studies, Greek Folk Dance, etc.), are cancelled. Fellowship and Coffee Hours are cancelled as well as all programs (Church Sunday School, Greek School, Bible Studies, Greek Folk Dance, etc.).
●For pastoral appointments or any emergency, as always, please contact the church office at 825-5365.
●All scheduled and new Sacraments including weddings, baptisms, chrismations, and funerals will be open to the immediate family only until further notice.
●For building access please contact the church office. Currently, we request that only essential and authorized personnel be in the building and church.
We are making every attempt to live stream each service. In the meantine and due to recent technical difficulties, we invite you to please join the services streaming at Holy Trinity Cathedral at https://www.facebook.com/holytrinityphx.org
Many thanks to those who are sending in stewardship commitments faithfully! Please be aware that checks are brought to the bank every other week due to the current situation, so it may take a while for your check to clear depending upon when it was received. May God bless you for continuing to think about our beautiful parish!
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Metropolitan Gerasimos to Offer a Trisagion for COVID-19 Victims
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Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
During the past several weeks His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has conducted a prayer service from the Archdiocesan Chapel of Saint Paul. These services, which are for the healing of those affected by COVID-19 and those who have passed from this terrible disease, have provided a few moments of solace and peace for the faithful as they prayerfully participate online.
The Archbishop has invited the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod to also offer this important prayer service. Please join us online on Saturday, May 23 at 12:30 p.m. PST from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Belmont, California, as His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos leads a Trisagion Service for the eternal memory and repose of those who have passed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The service will be broadcast on the official social media accounts of our Archdiocese (links provided below).
This effort to join in prayer can only be made stronger by the participation of each and every one of us. In addition to joining online in prayer, you are encouraged to submit names to be prayed for during the service.
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BROADCAST LINKS
May God keep you and your family safe and healthy during this challenging time.
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Hats Off to Our High School Graduates
Be Included In our Metropolis Video Montage of Graduating Seniors
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High School graduation is a time-honored tradition. After years of studying, exploring new opportunities and expanding your horizons, thousands of high school seniors anxiously anticipate wearing the cap and gown representing their school colors, processing towards the stage, and receiving their diploma for which they have worked so hard. But, not in 2020. The Coronavirus pandemic has changed so many aspects of our lives, including ceremonies to honor our high school graduates.
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco wants to honor all our high school graduates by compiling a montage of senior portraits. A simple online form is available and we invite all high school seniors from our parishes in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington, to submit the requested information no later than May 27, 2020 so that we can share this video across our Metropolis on Sunday, June 7, 2020.
“The achievements of our students preparing to graduate from high school are truly amazing and certainly worthy of recognition,” stated His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. “We want to honor you as you reach this important milestone in your lives, and offer our congratulations and prayers as you embark on the exciting future that awaits you.”
Don’t forget – the deadline is May 27. Fill out the online form today!
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