Holy Martyr Peter the Aleut Orthodox Church

1802 33 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB T2T 1Y9

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Private: Guidelines for Church Attendance

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INTRODUCTION

We look forward with joy to re-opening our parish for divine services. However, some aspects of our worship put us at risk of transmitting COVID-19. In accordance with Alberta Health requirements, the following guidelines are meant to minimize that risk for the safety of all who come.

Our church building size allows 20 single individuals, 10 couples or families, or some combination of these to attend each service. We will be using an online sign-up system to determine attendance (details to follow) and we expect everyone will be able to attend Liturgy at least once per month.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • Do not come to church if you are ill in any way. Please check for symptoms prior to leaving your home.
  • Always remain 2 meters apart from other people. Sadly, this means no hugging or hand shaking.
  • Face masks must always be worn while in church. You are encouraged to bring your own mask with you, but masks will be provided for those who don’t have them. Children 8 and under are not required to wear a mask, but they must be supervised by their parents or guardians at all times to maintain the 2 meter distance from others.
  • Always sneeze or cough into your elbow.

GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Arrival and Seating

  • Arrive on time: doors will be CLOSED AND LOCKED at the beginning of the service.
  • Upon arrival, check in at the south west front entrance on 33rd Avenue (next to the church parking lot) with the doorkeeper.
  • Use the hand sanitizer provided at the entrance.
  • Electronic donations can be made with the debit machine as usual. Put cash donations in the donation box at the back of the church, since the donation trays will not be passed around during the service.
  • When entering, fill the pews from the front of the church to the back, taking a designated seat (look for signs) closest to the front : take the closest available seat to the front in the pews designated for sitting (follow the signs). Families or people isolating together should sit together between the taped lines on the pew.

Venerating Icons

  • Please wait at the designated lines on the floor until anyone ahead of you has completed venerating all the icons. Please do not kiss the icons at this time; simply cross yourself and bow before them.

Singing

  • Congregational singing is not permitted at this time. Please simply pray silently with the chanter and music leader.

The Kiss of Peace

  • While maintaining a 2 meter distance, simply bow to others and exchange the greeting “Christ is in our midst.”

Holy Communion

  • When the time for Holy Communion arrives, people seated in the front rows will line up at the designated taped spacing on the floor. They will go to the chalice one at a time to receive. Once this first group have returned to their pew, people in the next row will come forward, and so on.
  • Families with small children should go together so that parents can help where necessary.
  • Because there will be no cloth holders at this time, you will need to hold a napkin (to be provided) under your chin when receiving the Eucharist. Place the napkin in the designated basket after communion. Please help your children with this.
  • After communion, return to your seat via the side aisles and replace your mask.

Departure

  • When the service is completed, please proceed immediately out the nearest exit. All visiting should be done outside of the church. Do not loiter in the lobbies.

Washrooms

  • Only the upstairs washroom will be open for use at this time. If at all possible, use the washroom at home prior to coming to church. If you must use the church washroom, please do the following:
    • Wipe down all surfaces that you have touched with either the Lysol wipes or paper towel and sanitizing spray provided in the bathroom.
    • Wash your hands for 20 seconds with hot water and soap.
    • Leave the door propped open for the next person.
    • Parents must accompany young children to the washroom and clean up after them.

According to Alberta Guidance for Places of Worship, please take a moment to use the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool before coming to church.

We acknowledge that these guidelines will affect your experience of the divine services and may be difficult for some. But in the spirit of Christian charity, we ask that you abide by them for the sake of the health and safety of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for your cooperation.

HOLY MARTYR PETER THE ALEUT ORTHODOX CHURCH