Our church has re-opened for worship. From 8th August 2020, we require all parishioners and visitors to wear a face mask to comply with new government guidelines.
This page details what is expected of the congregation when entering, occupying and exiting the church.
There will be a limit on the number of worshippers admitted into the church at any one time to comply with social distancing regulations. Please do not kiss or touch any icons.
Enter the church through the double doors at the front as usual.
Candles are available for purchase by the front door as usual. If possible, please give the correct amount of money to avoid the need for change.
Once you have entered the church, take note of the one-way system. The first way leads to the area for lighting candles before proceeding into the main body of the church. There are spaces marked out at safe distances indicating where the congregation may stand. Family members may stand together if they wish, for example, a mother and child. Patience and understanding are requested as it is very likely that you may not be able to stand or sit in your usual place.
When exiting the church, use the doors to the right, do not use the doors you entered through.
Hand gel is available upon entering and exiting the church.
The space to the front and right of the church by the icon of Богородица Тројеручица, or the Three-handed Theotokos is deliberately left empty. This is where confession will be held.
There will be no collection plate going around. Donations can be made by leaving offerings in the plate when exiting the church or you can use Paypal or Facebook to donate online.
There are helpers stationed at the main door, the exit door, where the candles are sold and lit, and the main area of the church. Our helpers are here to assist your visit and keep you safe.
As we are navigating new situations, we kindly request your understanding and patience. It is foreseen that there will be queues outside as safe spaces inside may be completely occupied. We may ask politely that those already in the church kindly leave to make way for others to light their candle(s).
As a way of offering our reassurance to parishioners and neighbours that we are taking our responsibilities seriously, we have the following snapshots of our service on 5th July 2020.
Welcoming our worshippers young and old.
We have placed signs to remind worshippers of their responsibilities at the entrance to the church and St Lazar’s Hall.
And we have also placed a sign inside the hall.
