Guidance for the faithful: On entering the church for participation in the Divine Services
The Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is still with us and for our own protection, and that of our church family, it is essential that we follow current Government and Archdiocesan requirements for the safe use of places of worship.
It is hoped that this document provides clear guidance to the faithful attending our services. Failure to follow these guidelines will present not only a risk to health but may also imperil the insurance of the parish. It should be noted that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has the right and authority to monitor compliance to the guidelines.
Guidelines
- Current social distancing and hygiene requirements must be observed.
- While 30 persons may be present at Sacraments, more may be present in the Church for the Divine Services, provided proper distance is maintained.
- Choirs are not allowed. Only one person is allowed to offer the responses and there is to be no congregational singing. In our case, this means that there can only be one person at the Chanter's stand (analogion).
- Your attendance at the divine Services with be recorded, together with your telephone number, to ensure traceability should we be notified of a case of Covid-19 infection.
- On entering the building please ensure:-
- You are wearing an appropriate face covering. This should cover both the mouth and nose. Masks will be provided for those who do not bring their own.
- You use the hand sanitiser provided
- You follow the one-way system and avoid gathering at the desk etc. This will be ‘signed’ or explained by the Church Warden or nominated persons
- Whilst in the building please try to touch as few surfaces as possible and please try to refrain from leaning on furniture, doors or walls.
- If physically able you may wish to consider standing throughout the service (Traditional Orthodox practice). If you require seating, please ensure social distancing requirements are observed.
- Please do not leave any belongings in the narthex or elsewhere in the church.
- Unless specifically requested, please do not bring flowers
- There will be no access to the library or children’s area
- The veneration of icons must be ‘contactless’. i.e. bowing is permitted but there should be but no touching or kissing of the icon.
- Candles may be used but social distancing should be observed, and the maintenance of the lit candles left to the nominated ‘gloved’ person.
6. When exiting the building please
- observe the prescribed one-way system
- use the sanitiser provided
- Keep your mouth and nose covered until you have left the building
Some aspects of the Divine Liturgy will, by necessity, be a little different to our usual practice. However, guidance will be given at the appropriate times
PLEASE NOTE
Our Archbishop has advised that Clergy and faithful 70 years of age (or older) should not attend services but rather they should continue to follow streamed services. This advice should also be considered by those who are ‘shielding’ or ‘vulnerable’
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
Fr David, Fr Julian & Tina (Church Warden)
