PLEASE READ THIS.
COVID’s Toll on the Orthodox Christian Church
Denial and defiance among the clergy have led to deaths. Depending on how you count, the Orthodox Christian Church has fourteen, fifteen, or sixteen autocephalous (i.e. self-governing) jurisdictions. To date, three of its autocephalous leaders—Irinej of Serbia, Ieronymos of Greece, and Anastasios of Albania—have been hospitalized with COVID-19; Irinej of Serbia died from it on November 20. At least a dozen Orthodox bishops have also died from the virus. Among the lower ranks of clergy, the numbers are even more alarming. In Russia, more than one hundred priests or monks have died.
WANTING TO ATTEND A SERVICE?
If you would like to attend a Service,
A few questions first:
1) Have you been in contact recently with anyone who has tested positive?
2) Have you been following standard protocols to slow the spread such as wearing a mask in close public quarters?
If your answer is: 'No' to 1), and ‘Yes’ to 2) then please use this link to signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084EADAC2FA0FF2-stjohn
Currently we are following standard protocols to wear a mask, and allow a minimum 6' physical distance between individuals/families while attending services.
While there are no restrictions for families with children, we respectfully ask that children stay with their families.
Please note that all first-time visitors are kindly asked to contact Fr. Parthenios prior to signing up.
KEEPING SAFE IN CHURCH
(A parishioner here at St. John offered the following reminder of the protocols that we should be observing while attending services at St. John.)
*Thoughts on keeping safe distances within church in the time of COVID 19:
As throughout the pandemic, but all the more so now that we are experiencing a new second wave of infections and hospitalizations, we want to remind everyone to be vigilant in the safe practices we have offered when attending church services at St. John’s .
Thanks to all for keeping their masks on throughout the services. We realize this is uncomfortable especially for some, and we applaud the 100 percent compliance.
We just want to remind everyone that once you are given your designated spot within the nave by the usher, that you remain in that place throughout the service so that we may stay 6' or more apart. The church space is very limited when it comes to the 6' recommendation that we need to stay where we are. (You of course may please feel free to walk in and out of the nave as needed, or to the iconostasis to light candles or safely venerate the icons there on the iconostasis.)
During the time in the service known as the "Great Entrance" in which the priest carries the gifts through the church, just a reminder that there is no need to move from your spot unless it will directly impair the clergy from walking through the area. If you do need to move, please be mindful to move keeping 6' from other parishioners. Thank-you.
Any Orthodox Christians coming up to receive Holy Communion, please remember to keep at least 6' distance between family units while in what used to be a “line”.
Final reminder, please maintain distance after services, perhaps even best moving from inside the building to enjoy the fresh air and then greeting, and perhaps catching up with each other at a safe distance.
HOLY COMMUNION
Although we are receiving Holy Communion in the normative way with a common spoon, as a precautionary measure, we ask that each communicant take a tissue provided and place it over the communion cloth before receiving, and afterwards place it in the receptacle provided nearby.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
The Christmas Eve Service of the Vesperal Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of Christ will be celebrated at 6 PM, Thursday, Dec. 24. (This will be the only Liturgy for Holy Nativity at St. John this year.)
To learn more, go to:
www.goarch.org/nativity
Feast of the Nativity
A NOTE FROM THE BOOKKEEPER
Thank you to those who have continued to offer their financial support of the Church!
Fewer people attending Services means fewer donations. Each and every offering is valued and appreciated!
Due to the extra administrative time and expense for the bookeeping firm to record online donations, the preferred and most efficient way to make an offering is either by a personal check, or by asking your bank to set up a (free) regular (weekly/monthly) automatic check to be mailed from your bank.
Please send all checks and correspondence to:
St. John Chrysostom Greek Orthodox Church
P.O. Box 90162
Nashville, TN 37209
Thank you!
A SERMON FOR YOU
A beautiful Homily...
https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/rememberingsion/2020/11/22/when-god-does-not-come/