New Guidance on Coronavirus

Beloved of Christ,
Please find attached below the most recent directive from His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH regarding the Coronavirus.  Effective immediately, only clergy and chanters (not to exceed a total of 10 individuals as per the President’s directive) will be allowed to attend the services at St. Peter for the time being.  The only services which will be held will be the Akathist to the Theotokos on Friday nights and Orthros and Liturgy on Sunday morning.  We will also pray Orthros and the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation. We are trying to determine whether or not we have the capacity to provide streaming of these services for you and will let you know when we determine that. The Archdiocese will provide service texts for the faithful to pray at home during this time of social distancing. Furthermore, we will not pray the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, either of the vespers services nor daily orthros.  In addition, all non-liturgical meetings and social functions are cancelled.  This would include, but not be limited to, adult catechism, Sunday School, choir practice, etc. If you wish to come to the church to offer your prayers individually, check with me to schedule that.
As has His Eminence stated, we must look to our Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of this plague with complete faith and trust in His love for us.  Also, we must do our part to prevent the spread of this illness.  Remember and practice all of the previously mentioned guidelines for personal hygiene.  By the Grace of the All Holy Trinity we will get through this! Let us pray to the Lord!
Your prayers and forgiveness,
Fr. John