Brethren,
One thing I have discovered this week is that things are changing rapidly with regard to the COVID-19 situation. In that light, Metropolitan Joseph issued new directives today, Tuesday, March 17, regarding the response we are to make for the COVID-19 virus.
Effective immediately, all social events and business meetings at our churches are cancelled until further notice. This, of course, means that we won't have the Parish Council meeting this Sunday, nor will we have coffee hour after liturgy.
We have been directed to NOT have Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evening; so, we will not have the Presanctified Liturgy tomorrow evening, March 18.
Also, we have been directed to only have altar servers and chanters present at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 22, and in any case, no more than ten people at the liturgy. Having said that, we will not turn anyone who comes away. If you are ill, please stay home and rest. If you decide to stay home, please take advantage of internet resources available for worship, prayer, and learning.
For those who are home, the archdiocese has provided access to Typika services and other prayers for your use. Later in the week, I will send you a link to a livestream of St. John Orthodox Church in Memphis, where our son, Fr. Philip serves. You can virtually participate in services there, if you would like.If we are able to get a livestream of our services available, we will provide the link for you. Most likely, we will do it via our Facebook page.
We WILL have the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Annunciation on Wednesday, March 25, with the same stipulations as apply to Sunday's services.
Below is a link to his directive for you to read. The situation is changing by the hour, so we will do our best to keep you all updated as to what we are to do.
Please keep all of our brethren, our community, and our nation in your prayers. We love you all. By God's grace we'll get through this.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Gregory Rogers