Dear Members and Friends of St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Edmonton!

Christ is in our midst!

The Lenten journey this year, only three weeks in, has already required more patient endurance and struggle than usual. But the journey continues and only the Lord knows what awaits us ahead.

Since January of this year, the world has witnessed the rapid spread of a virus named SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes that has been named the Coronavirus Disease 2019, or Corona Virus, often abbreviated as COVID-19.

Our Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church in Canada will precisely observe the directives and instructions of the Canadian and Albertan government authorities. So far, we have done exactly that. Now, the orders and instructions of the Canadian and Albertan authorities have been revised, and the number of faithful in churches cannot exceed fifty (50). Again, we will follow the instructions of the Canadian and Albertan authorities, as they are issued for the benefit of all.

My dear friends!

In these hectic times, remember what God told King David, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This means, most of all, do not panic! Overreaction and preventive measures, taken individually by us and the government, are not panic. Buying 20 packages of toilet paper and fighting in stores, however, is. Take this time to know God, who is the same both in times of turmoil and in times of calm. He is there always, be with Him there as well.

The Church of Christ is the Ark of Salvation, where we bring all our concerns to our merciful Master, and where He protects us from the storms that are raging outside. The Church is here for the faithful, and as such the following are the measures that will be undertaken for the next few weeks:

• Church Services and Divine Liturgies at St. Barbara’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral will be conducted normally, but only fifty (50) persons will be allowed to attend each of the Services and Divine Liturgies, unless otherwise specified. Parishioners can make their own decisions regarding church attendance. But, if anyone wishes not to come to church, I would like to mention, that such a decision in this time is not a sin, but an act of love and responsibility for the protection of one’s self and their fellow human beings. I encourage the faithful to participate in the experience of sacred worship at home, on TV, or using multimedia platforms.

• The practice of reception of the Holy Communion will not change and will follow with the instructions of the Holy Synod concerning the receiving of the Holy Communion (The document was approved by the decision of the Holy Synod of March 17, 2020, Journal №30. The full text of that document you can find on our official website of the Patriarchal Parishes). Draw near, as always, in the fear of God, with faith and love. It is one of the fundamental truths and beliefs of the Christian faith that we partake of the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at Communion, for the healing of our soul and body. As the Lord said Himself, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in them” (John 6:56). We believe this and we affirm this every time we come to the chalice.

• If you are sick or think that you might be sick, it is advisable that you stay home and seek medical attention. Err on the side of caution. Know the symptoms of the Coronavirus, which include but are not limited to fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. Check with the website of https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Journey/COVID-19/ on other possible symptoms, and what to do in case you might be infected.

• If you are sick or you decide to stay home as a preventive measure, Father Igor is available for spiritual counsel, prayers, and admission of the holy sacraments. Contact him at ikisil@telus.net or 780-429-5920 or 780-983-7159. The visitations to nursing homes and hospitals may be restricted at the present time, but home visits can be done, if you desire.

• On the note of visitations, if you are in need of any help, be it with shopping, meal preparation, or anything else, please also reach out to Father Igor. This is not the time to be shy. If you would like to volunteer to help with this as well, contact Father so he knows that you are available.

• Think about others as much as you would about yourself. From what we know so far, Coronavirus is especially dangerous for the elderly, those 60 years of age and older, as well those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiac illnesses and/or a compromised immune system. Remember to cough and sneeze only into your elbow, not your hands. Refrain from contact with others for the time being.

• We are taking every preventive measure we can as far as including the disinfection of icons, crosses, liturgical objects, doors and door knobs, pews, tables, etc. If you would like to refrain from venerating the icons for the time being, simply cross yourself and bow before them. We will not kiss the chalice after receiving Communion. The post-communion wine will continue to be offered in individual cups. However, the bread will be distributed only by one of the vestry persons wearing a glove. This way, many hands will not be reaching down into the same plate. At the end of the Liturgy, Father Igor will not be offering the cross for veneration, but instead will place the Cross on the heads of parishioners.

• Take every precautionary measure for yourself as well. As was stated above, cough or sneeze only into your elbow, and wash your hands often. In other words, intentionally exercise proper hygiene. Children often are unaware of their own coughing and sneezing, therefore, parents, have this conversation with your children.

• We will follow the guidelines of the local and federal government. We will stop all services only in the event of a direct command from the government. But we are always here for you.

• Above all, pray that our Lord may comfort and heal those already affected by this virus, and grant strength and wisdom to the doctors, nurses, first responders, and all medical personnel who work to combat and control the virus, and that He may protect us all!

Also, I would like to mention that due to the current travel restrictions surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak, we received news that His Grace Bishop Matthew will NOT be able to make his trip to Canada and the USA at the end of March.

Pray and be safe, and God bless.

With love in Christ,
Father Igor Kisil,
Rector of St. Barbara’s Cathedral,
Dean of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada

A prayer in the time of a Pandemic
O God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation visible and invisible: In Your inexpressible goodness, look down upon us, Your people gathered in Your Holy Name. Be our helper and defender in this day of affliction, for You know all our weaknesses and hear our cry in repentance and contrition of heart. O loving Lord, deliver us from the impending threat of the novel Coronavirus. Send Your angel to watch over us and protect us. Grant health and recovery to those suffering from this virus. Guide the hands of the physicians and heal Your servants through them. Grant wisdom to those who are working on the vaccine for this virus. And preserve those who are healthy. Enable us to continue to serve our suffering brothers and sisters in peace that together we may glorify Your most honorable and majestic Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.