OPENING CHURCH: Rules for church services - June 2020
RULES FOR CHURCH SERVICES
June 2020
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I invite you to attend Divine Liturgy in our church. This will take place for the time being under special conditions, following some imposed measures, which will bring us all safely but gradually to the full celebration of the Divine Liturgy as before.
General measures.
A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on every Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am. in the big church. The maximum number of worshipers allowed is 20, including children.
Everyone is obliged to register in advance of his arrival via email (domverbeke@gmail.com). Who cannot reach us by email can exceptionally call us by phone (09/225 47 18).
The doors of the church open at 9:45 am, people enter per “bubble” or per family, and will be shown a fixed seat, the doors close at exactly 10:00 am.
The Divine Liturgy is celebrated by one priest, with the help og an acolyte. Two choir members will sing at the service. The faithful are temporarily not allowed to partake Holy Communion, which for the moment is reserved for the sick and for the dying, at home or at the hospital.
For the time being, vespers and matins are not celebrated.
Special measures strictly observed by all of us:
· People who are sick, weak, or over 70s come at their own risk;
· It is mandatory to use a face mask and to disinfect hands when entering and leaving the church building;
· No physical contact is allowed with the priest, icons and objects, and between believers;
· In principle, no one leaves the church during the service. Those for whom this is impossible (use of the toilet, etc.), should let us know on beforehand;
· Children do not walk around the church and stay with their parents at all time;
· There shall be no social gathering after the services;
· Everyone will follows the instructions of the stewards, which are appointed for the safe conduct of worship;
· Confession is possible by email appointment only.
These measures are enforced until the end of June. At the beginning of July rules are expected to be relaxed.