Weekly Update 12/22/2020 – Fr. Cyril Gorgy
Beloved Holy Resurrection Church family, I am praying that you are well and safe. Wishing you a spiritual and fruitful Advent Fast and a blessed Feast of Nativity.
Kiahk Praises: Saturdays at 6pm. You can join us virtually at this link, or you can visit our YouTube channel. To read more about the month of Kiahk, check out these two articles. (Article 1) (Article 2)
Divine Liturgies: We will be celebrating the Feast of Nativity on Friday, December 25th (in addition to January 7th). To register for the December 25th Divine Liturgy please use this link.
REGISTRATION to attend SUNDAY Divine Liturgy is required. To register, please use this link. You will receive an email confirmation with the time and date.
No registration will be required for the 7-9am Wednesday’s Divine Liturgy. All participants are expected to read and STRICTLY abide by the General Guidelines.
Advent Series: “God (is still) With Us 2020”
Each Sunday we will have a different speaker and topic, and there will be time for questions at the end. This series is to offer hope and encouragement as we end 2020, prepare for 2021 and prepare ourselves for the Feast of the Nativity. Register at this link.
Last Sunday’s Sermon: Throughout this year, humanity experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, whether by its physical effect or by the gripping fear of contracting it. At the news of an available vaccine last week, many rejoiced as it was the first good news that provided hope to many. Last Sunday’s Gospel from St Luke 1:26-38 is referred to as the Proto-evangelion (First Good News), where Archangel Gabriel announced to St Mary that she will bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus (which means Savior). That was the first good news for humanity that was destined to eternal condemnation brought forth by a pandemic called sin. At this time of the year, the world rejoices when we commemorate the coming of the Savior into the world to atone for our sin. It’s a joyful season as we commemorate the announcement of humanity’s antidote for the sin pandemic. As many will celebrate the coming of the Messiah this week (Christmas), it is important to always remember and remind your loved ones, that Jesus (SAVIOR) is the reason for this season.
Year-end offerings to the “building fund” can be mailed to Holy Resurrection Church, P.O. Box 91701 Los Angeles CA 90009. You can also offer online using this link.
May our Risen Lord support and protect you, and your family by the power of His Holy Resurrection.
Fr. Cyril
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
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General Guidelines
Please review and abide by the following guidelines prior to attending church:
- Please STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK, or if you have a history or are experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness, including FEVER or COUGH.
- If you have traveled in that last TWO WEEKS, please do not sign up to attend a Divine Liturgy until, TWO WEEKS have passed since you returned and you do not have any COVID19 symptoms, or you have been tested negative twice.
- If you were in direct contact with anyone that tested positive for COVID-19, please do not sign up or come to the church services, whether with symptoms or not, until you are tested negative.
- If you test positive please do not sign up or come to the church services until you are tested negative, for two consecutive tests, regardless of the time it takes to be tested negative twice.
- You should attend the Divine Liturgy at the church you regularly attend.
- Every church will take all the precautions necessary to ensure your safety, but your attendance is entirely your choice, and the church does not accept any liability.
When you come to church:
- Arrive on time. The church gate will ONLY be open at the beginning of the service and will remain closed for the duration. No one will be permitted to open the church door other than the church servant assigned by the clergy.
- Your body temperature may be taken prior to entering the church.
- You should wear a mask and gloves at all times during the service.
- You should sanitize your hands when entering the church.
Inside the Church:
- You must keep a minimum distance of 6 feet at all times between you and others that are not in your household.
- Each family (same household) should seated together.
- Children will stand with their parents even if they are deacons.
- Please do not touch anything or anyone inside the church including icons, relics, clergy, and deacons, etc.
- For Ologea (Al Barka), the priest will wash his hands, cut it and distribute it. You will take it with your hand without touching the priest.
- After Liturgy, we need to stagger exiting from the church as individuals or families to ensure we maintain social distancing guidelines.
Partaking of the Eucharist:
- Please bring your own head covering, corporeal (for communion) and water to use for partaking of the Eucharist.
- Each family should come forward together to receive the Eucharist. As every family is approaching please maintain 6’ away from other families.
- During communion, you will remove your mask, open your mouth wide and have your tongue lay flat so the priest can place the Holy Body on your tongue.
- When taking the Holy Blood, open your mouth wide and the priest will pour the Blood from the spoon into your mouth.