As many churches in our community, St. George North Canton is striving to keep our house of worship available, while at the same time ensuring the safest-possible practices to combat the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).
UPDATE – JULY 14 2021
As many churches in our community, St. George North Canton is striving to keep our house of worship available, while at the same time ensuring the safest-possible practices to combat the spread of Covid-19 (Coronavirus).Keeping in mind current CDC guidelines and recommendations, in addition to local and state recommendations, and with the blessing of our diocese, the following rules are currently in place:
- If you are NOT VACCINATED, then masks must be worn at all times in church – NO EXCEPTIONS – if you cannot wear a mask, please join us online
- If you are VACCINATED, then you may remove your mask in the church, and in church facilities
- Social distancing is encouraged, where possible
- Those receiving Holy Communion must follow the instruction of the celebrant
- Hand sanitizer is available for those that enter the building, or need it during the service
- Those who feel ill are encouraged to stay home
This represents a much closer return to normal worship in the life of our community, particularly for those who are vaccinated. Current data suggests that, for the vaccinated, not only is transmission of Covid-19 much more difficult – but the virus, itself, is less impactful if contracted. As such, we can begin, once again, to gather in greater numbers, venerate icons, remove masks, and use other shared-space items as we did before.
Still, for those who do not yet feel comfortable coming to church for any reason you are invited and encouraged to participate via streaming services on the parish Facebook page. Please contact Fr. Aleksa to schedule a pastoral visit, with appropriate safety-precautions, if you are homebound.
It is important to note that online services are not a substitute for regular services – if you are healthy (IE – fever and symptom free) then you should be joining us in church, worshipping together and receiving the sacraments with your church family. Our Lord has called us together in unity and oneness, and it is difficult to do that from home on a long-term basis.
The near-future is uncertain, and ever-changing, so the information provided is current as-of the date listed above – but may change again, or even without broader notice, pending any government orders or regulations.
For the time being, I will be continuing our new ministries of online services via Facebook, “Small Steps” sermons posted to YouTube, Morning Prayers, and other innovations started during the pandemic.
Please keep up-to-date on Facebook for news regarding events and services.
Reminder:
If you are worried of contracting COVID-19 due to respiratory issues, age, or personal health concerns – please be sure to do what makes you feel safe and in good health. Contact Father Aleksa to make sure he knows, and so he can reach out to you.
Through God’s grace, we have come quite far with regard to the pandemic. Our community, through prudence and love, has not been a breeding ground for spreading covid. It has been difficult, but we have persevered. Now is the time for us, once again, to gather together in worship so we can continue the good work and life in our St George parish!
Yours in Christ our Lord,
~Fr Aleksa
