Dear parishioners,
We have been permitted to reopen the church for worship.
A private service was held on the 5th of July mainly to test procedures discussed previously. This note describes the process of entering and exiting the church and what is expected of the congregation when in 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. It is up to individual worshippers if they wish to wear a face mask or similar. It is requested that people do not kiss or touch icons.
Enter the church through the double doors at the front in the normal way.
Candles can be purchased in the usual way. 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 same doors you came in.
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 is held.
To reduce risk from the virus, 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.
To assist in your visit and keep you safe, there are helpers at the main door, the exit door, where the candles are sold and lit as well the main area of the church.
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 fully 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 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.
