PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THESE GUIDELINES ARE PROVIDED BY HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP MICHAEL IN ACCORD WITH THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE OCA AND CDC GUIDELINES.  EVERYONE ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES AT ST. BASIL'S IS RESPONSIBLE TO BE FAMILIAR WITH THESE GUIDELINES AND TO FOLLOW THEM.  COVID AND THE PREVENTION OF SPREADING THIS VIRUS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

• Maximum persons allowed to attend services is 50 (updated 8/15/20)
• “At risk” group are those who are 65 years old or older.  Anyone in this category is permitted to attend all services as long as they are not precluded because of a pre-existing medical condition.  Having a pre-existing medical condition would preclude those who are not “at risk” as well.
• All parishioners must be pre-scheduled for each service, either by scheduling his/herself on line (link to schedule provided on a weekly basis to everyone on our e-mail list) or by calling Fr. Peter Olsen the rector of the parish (those who do not have or use a computer or are not currently on our e-mail list).
• Anyone in the “at risk” group will be asked, upon entering the church, to sign in, acknowledging their willingness to attend the service even though they are considered “at risk.”
• Wear face mask and sanitize hands upon entering the church.  Face shields cannot be worn in lieu of face masks.
• Donations for candles must be given in exact amount.  No change will be given.  Office workers will light all candles.
• After name being verified on checklist (signing in for “at risk” population), usher will lead parishioner to prescribed seat in pew
• Children two years old and older are required to wear a face mask and must remain with parents and not be permitted to wander around the church unattended
• Six feet social distancing to be maintained.  Pews and Communion line have been so designated with tape
• Choir members must maintain 12 feet social distancing.
• Singing and reading is not permitted in the balcony
• All singing and reading by the choir is to be done in the front end of the church facing the altar
• No kissing of sacred objects (icons, cross and relics) is permitted, only crossing oneself and bowing in reverence
• No kissing, hugging or touching other people, including the priest’s hand
• Those who live under the same roof will be permitted to sit together and do not have to practice social distancing among themselves
• All literature and books (except for choir) have been removed from the church
• Holy Communion spoon is being sanitized for each person receiving Holy Communion
• The communicant does not touch the red cloth or kiss the Chalice.  They hold a paper towel and use this to wipe their lips.  Paper towel is later burned
• Zapivka is done in this manner:  wine in small disposable cups to be burned, antidoron in separate plastic zip lock bags
• At the end of the service parishioners are not permitted to congregate but must leave immediately
• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms or any cold symptoms are asked not to attend services
• Anyone who contracts COVID-19 must inform the rector, Fr. Peter Olsen, immediately
• Office workers will sanitize church according to the prescribed method
• Removing of face masks and singing in the pews is not permitted.  Singing is only permitted in designated choir locations in the front of the church.
• If you experience prolonged coughing or sneezing while in church, please go outside or go downstairs and have some water.  When the coughing/sneezing subsides, you may return to the main part of the church.

One cannot fall ill from receiving the Mysteries faithfully.  Neither the Holy Synod of the OCA, nor Vladika Michael is requiring the sanitizing of the spoon used to administer Holy Communion.  With Vladika Michael’s blessing, this was solely my decision.  I am doing this for the sake of those who may otherwise stay away from the Chalice.  This practice is not an innovation, but has a basis in canon law as a practice when there is a pandemic.  This practice, therefore, is only temporary.  Eventually we will resume the normal practice of receiving Holy Communion. ~ Fr. Peter  

Confessions are currently not being heard before or after services because of COVID precautionary procedures.  Confessions are heard at this time by appointment only.  They may be heard in person in the church or by Zoom (or FaceTime, etc.) or by telephone.  When confessions are heard in church, the penitent and I sit at opposite ends of the pew and maintain social distancing.  There is complete privacy.  Please call me to make an appointment when you would like to go to Confession.  Remember, Holy Communion and Holy Confession are two separate Mysteries of the Church.  If for whatever reason you are uncomfortable to receive Holy Communion at this time, there is no reason to deprive yourself of the grace of Holy Confession. ~ Fr. Peter  

• ST. BASIL'S CHURCH WILL STRIVE TO GLORIFY GOD THROUGH 

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN WORSHIP,

SINCERE LOVE AND CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER,

AND SERVICE TO THOSE IN NEED AROUND US