Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton!
Christ is in our midst!
With the blessing of His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, the Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in Canada and in the USA, and in accordance with the Cathedral Board Decision, our Cathedral will be reopening on the Sunday of All Saints, which Falls on Sunday, June 14. A maximum of 50 people can be present.
With this joyous announcement comes a list of requirements which must be strictly adhered to. These do not constitute a compromise of the Orthodox faith, but rather a charitable act towards the health of the crown of God’s creation, the human person.
The requirements were made in consultation with both ecclesiastical and civil authorities and will remain in effect until such a time that this pandemic will pass. The measures are as follows:
Who May Attend?
- Those who are in good health and at low risk.
- Those who are on the confirmed list for each Divine Liturgy.
Who Should Stay at Home?
- Those who have recently traveled outside of Canada.
- Anyone feeling sick and displays symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, fever, cold or flu symptoms, experiencing extreme fatigue).
- Anyone in close contact with someone infected with Covid-19.
- Anyone in close contact with someone under quarantine.
- Older persons and those persons with pre-existing medical conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer or diabetes).
How do I sign-up?
- Contact father Igor (780- 429-5920) or send an email to ikisil@telus.net to have your name placed on the list.
- Specify which Divine Liturgy you would like to attend.
- If you will need to use the elevator, please note this in your request.
What if the list is full?
- Sign-up for the following Sunday.
What Are the Guidelines for Attending?
- You need to be on the confirmed list. No walk-ins.
- Please arrive on time. We are currently opening for up to fifty (50) persons. This is to ensure that we have enough space for necessary volunteers as well as many faithful. When we have reached capacity, doors will be locked.
- Sanitize hands at the entrance or use soap and water in the washrooms.
- Maintain physical distancing (6 feet or 2 meters).
- Members of the same household may sit together.
- Shaking hands, hugging, touching, or passing items between people compromises the two-meters distance between congregants and must not occur, except between members of the same household or cohort family.
- Individuals can wear clean, properly fitted non-medical masks to further reduce the risk of transmission. However, even when wearing masks, attendees should always try to maintain a two-meters distance from anyone who is not a member of their household.
- Light candles if you wish; do not touch or kiss icons at this time.
- No congregational singing at this time; the designated cantor will sing the responses.
- Infants and children must remain with parents at all times.
- Collection will not occur during Liturgy but the faithful will be able to give their offerings upon entering or leaving the church.
- No social gathering before or after church services.
Let us continue to be joyful and thankful in all things, as St. Paul reminds us: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
May God’s mercy continue to be poured down on us and may we work together in perfect love during this time of plague.
Sincerely,
Yours in Christ Jesus,
With love in Christ,
Father Igor Kisil,
Rector of St. Barbara’s Cathedral,
Dean of the Patriarchal
Parishes in Canada
Roman Lopushinsky – President
of St. Barbara’s Cathedral