As you all are probably aware, Governor Baker issued new restrictions yesterday to public gatherings. The maximum amount of people that can gather in a place of worship is now 10 people. As of right now, this is in effect until April 7th. Therefore, we are making changes to the schedule of services. They are difficult decisions to make, but everyone today is having to make difficult decisions. We will not have any more services during the week as long as this restriction is in place. For the next two Sundays, only the clergy and a chanter will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. I know that all of you want to come to church and participate in the Eucharist, especially during these difficult times, but we have to obey the law and more importantly, we must also help in stopping the spread of this contagious virus.
Thanks to God, the state authorities still allow gatherings of up to 10 people, so we are still able to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. I am still able to pray and remember all of you and our reposed loved ones during the prayers of Proskomide. During the Liturgy of St. Basil (which is celebrated ever Sunday of Great Lent) the priest prays to God that He “be mindful of the people present and of those who are absent for reasonable cause, and have mercy upon them”. There is a reasonable cause why you will not be physically present on Sunday. Our merciful Lord understands this. I ask that you be patient and pray that this trial passes sooner rather than later. The priest also prays that God be mindful of the civil authorities and that He “speak good things in their hearts concerning the Church”. May it be so, so they will continue to allow us to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. That way the Eucharist is celebrated, that “God is with us”, and we are able to pray for the sake of the whole world.
The Divine Liturgy will be live streamed on Sunday beginning with Matins at 8am. I ask that all of you participate with us during the service. You are watching from home, but spiritually you will be present with us. Please, don’t have the Liturgy just playing in the background while you are relaxing at home or doing chores. Your participation should be treated with reverence and piety if it is to be true prayer.
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“For Thou, O Lord, art the helper of the helpless, the hope of the hopeless, the savior of the storm-tossed, the haven of the voyager, the physician of the sick. Be Thou, Thyself, all things to all men, O Thou Who knowest every man, his petition, his dwelling-place, and his need. Deliver, O Lord, this city, and every city and countryside, from famine, plague, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, foreign invasion, and civil war”, AMEN.
