All visitors must
- Wear a face mask
- Sanitise their hands (hand gel available at entrance and exit)
- Keep their distance from others
- Not kiss or touch any icons
Entering and exiting the church
There will be a limit on the number of worshippers admitted into the church at any one time.
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.
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 unlikely that you will be able to stand or sit in your usual place.
The space in front of the Holy Mother of God Trojerucica icon is where confession will be held.
When exiting the church, use the doors to the right, do not use the doors you entered through.
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.
Collections and donations
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.
Keep time in the church to a minimum
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 candles.
St Lazar’s Hall
St Lazar’s Hall will remain closed until further notice. The door to the left of the main entrance will be open for those wishing to use our toilets.
Christmas statement
Dear parishioners,
Here we are in the last week before the great celebration of our church, the birth of the real man and the real God, Jesus Christ. The past year will be remembered for many things, much worse than good.
From March, since the introduction of the restrictions due to Covid 19, we have been obliged to respect the rules, which the government has proclaimed for the safety of all. We have endeavoured to ensure the spiritual needs of our parishioners have not been neglected.
With the agreement of our trustees and the church committee, we have reached the following decision:
CHRISTMAS EVE 6th January
10.00 – Holy Liturgy and the blessing of badnjak.
Lazarica will be open from 10.00 to 20.00 for those who wish to collect badnjak, light their candles and say a prayer.
CHRISTMAS DAY 7th January
10.00 – Holy Christmas Liturgy
We must follow the rules stated on our website on both days.
Please be patient and tolerant if your have to wait outside before entering the church. Unless you are staying for the Holy Communion, please limit your time in the church so that others who are waiting can come in.
ST LAZAR’S HALL will be closed during the Christmas celebrations. The door to the left of the main entrance will be open for those wishing to use our toilets.
Gatherings in large groups around the church grounds including the car park is forbidden. If we do not stick to the government guidelines, someone may report us, which will lead to a fine and the closure of the church.
THE CHURCH CAR PARK will only accept people with blue badges. All other cars will have to be parked in the surrounding streets. Please avoid parking in the doctor’s surgery, private roads and resident driveways
We wish you a happy and blessed Christmas and a much kinder and successful 2021 New Year.
PEACE ON EARTH, CHRIST IS BORN, HE IS BORN INDEED!