Phase 2 of Church Re-Opening Begins June 14, 2020

We wish and pray that you are all in good health and safety under the shelter of our Almighty God.    We were so thankful to see some of you last Sunday coming in for Holy Communion and we are pleased to announce that we just received new guidelines from the state of NJ allowing up to 50 people inside the church.   We are blessed to have Sayidna celebrate Holy Liturgy with us this Sunday.

The following are Phase 2 procedures:

1.  We will continue to stream the Holy Liturgy online live from our church to our FaceBook Page and YouTube Channel.  Abouna Andrew and some deacons will be in the church at that time.  Holy Liturgy will be at the normal start time of 11:00 am.
2. We will seat the first 50 parishioners that attend.  These parishioners must have their masks on throughout Holy Liturgy.
3. More parishioners will be allowed to enter to take communion after Holy Liturgy is completed from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.
4. Board members will be guiding you through the process and defined spots – You may be required to wait outside until space is available. If necessary, please line up (keeping a social distance of 6 feet).
5. Everyone entering the church must wear a mask (please bring one with you from home) and also must bring their own hand sanitizer.  Wearing gloves is not required.  Please note that there will be hand sanitizing dispensers available if you forget yours.
6. Women may not share scarfs.   They are required to bring their own scarfs.
7. The front doors of the church will remain open allowing you to have “hands-free” access.  Avoid touching all surfaces as much as possible.
8. Fellowship hour is not permitted at all and restrooms will remain closed during this time.

If you are ill in any way, please stay home until you are well. If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, please stay home until you have completed the recommended quarantine.

If you are at high risk due to age, if you have underlying medical conditions, if you have a fever or exhibit signs of any illness, you should not come to church at all during this time.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times.  We are doing our best to adhere to government mandates and serve the community as best we can.  Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our church and community.

God Bless you all

Tawdi and God bless

Board of Trustees

Assyrian Orthodox Church of Virgin Mary

www.virginmarynj.org