Guidelines for the Re-Opening of St. George

We thank you all for the great patience and perseverance you have shown during the long days of the current pandemic. It is a sign of the strength of your faith and the fervency of your prayer. We are sincerely grateful.

Effective June 19, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will implement Phase 2 of the COVID-19 plan which gradually continues to allow more public participation in events, including worship. Attached you will find the newly-developed Guidelines for the Re-Opening of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. They were developed by the Parish Council and other parishioners determined to keep you safe and healthy as you worship and make use of the Church facility once again. These parish guidelines are issued in accordance with the county directives, which allow one worshipper or one family for every 200 square feet of Sanctuary space. We will continue to live stream Sunday Divine Liturgies as an option for those unable to attend (http://meetingslive.net/stgeorge_live/).

Please carefully read these guidelines, as they are directed to your wellbeing and safety. We continue to deal with a serious public health situation across America and the world, and we need everyone’s heartfelt cooperation, particularly in your spiritual life and worship. We are there with you each step, prepared to assist you in any way we can. We are moving forward, slowly but deliberately, asking the Divine Healer for protection, consolation, and mercy. As the Epistle to the Hebrews tells us: “Let us hold fast to the hope we profess, for He who promised it is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23) May He bless every one of you and your families!.

Faithfully in the Lord,

Rev. Dimitrios J. Antokas
Presiding Priest

Victoria Kantsios Alex
Parish Council President

Guidelines

Live Streaming will remain as an option for those unable to attend the Sunday Divine Liturgy: http://meetingslive.net/stgeorge_live/)

Entering the Church: Everyone will enter the Church using the Narthex doors. All other entrances will be closed.

During this first phase of reopening, all attendees must abide by the following guidelines: 

• Everyone must register to attend the Divine Liturgy each Thursday by 5:00PM EDT by completing the form https://stgeorge.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/402/responses/new. A portion of available seats will be held for those without computer access. Please call the Church office to register your name.
• Everyone attending services is required to wear a mask from age 2 and above while in the Sanctuary. Masks will be available for those that forget a mask.
• Hands must be sanitized upon entry.
• After lighting a candle(s), (if you choose to do so), you will be directed to an assigned seat by an usher and are asked to remain in that area for the duration of the service. Red (7-Day) Candles will be placed and lit on your behalf. Cashless offerings preferred and change will not be available for cash purchases.
• You may honor the icons and other sacred objects by a reverent bow and making the sign of the Cross instead of kissing.
• Refrain from shaking hands or kissing others before, during and after the service.

Exiting the Church: Everyone will leave using the side doors to the parking lot.

By voluntarily registering and entering the church facilities:
·      I affirm that I and those attending with me are not currently ill or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
·      I acknowledge that while the recommended CDC precautionary measures are being taken by the church, it cannot guarantee the safety of every person present.
·      I and those attending with me agree to abide by the physical distancing and safety guidelines being practiced in this church.
·      I and those attending with me consent to hold the church harmless against any damages or claims regarding my voluntary presence here