Welcome to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church

News and Updates

Suspension of all Divine Services, Facebook Live, and Next Steps

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Dear Beloved of St. Demetrios,

The Coronavirus pandemic has changed and disrupted all of our lives. To keep us as safe as possible and slow the spread of the virus, our government has ordered that we stay away from one another. Businesses are being forced to close, every kind of social event has been postponed or cancelled.

Unfortunately, as we suffer this crisis of global proportions, our churches are not immune to these closures. At times like this, we need our church more than ever, and yet, we are required to be apart—for our protection! During this time, we need to do all that we can to stay connected, uplifting one another in prayer, mutual support, and encouragement.

With sadness we will be suspending public services at Saint Demetrios until further notice. The Church will be closed to our parishioners and to the public. The Lenten services will be conducted with only the Clergy, chanters, and two supporting acolytes, but will be streamed via Facebook Live and available to all.

We are committed to making the most of our Facebook page and utilizing it for all the good that we can. Beginning with Presanctified Liturgy this evening at 6:30pm, we will be broadcasting all our liturgical services with Facebook Live. We will continue to post informational updates and spiritual messages here as well. Please check back often as we continue to share other ideas.

Next Steps

As we all continue to be challenged by the Covid-19 virus our goal is to maintain as much communication and connection with our members as possible. We are committed to increasing communication during this time as well as remaining in compliance with Federal, State, Local and CDC guidelines for the safety and protection of our parishioners.

To that end the Parish Council, in collaboration with Fr Photios and Fr Daniel, will be offering the following:

Effective Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Lenten services will be streamed via Facebook Live and available to all parishioners.
Virtual Prayer Services will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00 noon via Facebook Live
Father Photios and Father Daniel have been recording their sermons and we will make them available via YouTube. COMING SOON.
Additional communications throughout the week via email, Facebook, and our website.

Also, we are reminded that many of our parishioners are elderly and may not have family nearby. Please check in via phone to see if others are in need of food or information.

Please continue to communicate with us through our emails and/or phones. We are keenly aware the decision to suspend services is a painful one for all of us who love our Church and find comfort in our services, family, and friends. We pray this time will pass quickly and we will remain healthy and safe.

In Christ,

Fr Photios, Fr Daniel, Barbara

Additional updates

Parish Council

In our March 17, 2020 Parish Council meeting in addition to extensive discussion about the COVID 19 virus and management within the parish we approved expenditures to

Clean & inspect the dome - The dome was last cleaned in 2017 and is in need of regular maintenance. Additionally, we will be restoring the lighting of the dome and cross through donations.
Live streaming services - fund equipment/labor needed for live streaming of services. Thank you to several parishioners working to assist with the live streaming.

Stewardship

Thank you to those who have completed their 2020 pledge cards. As of March 14, 2020 we have 249 parishioners who have made a pledge, thank you. In spite of troubling times in order to serve you, we must keep the parish operating. Please consider submitting your pledge online and fulfilling as much of your pledge early in the year if possible.

Please know we are keenly aware of the precarious financial position many of our parishioners are in during this time; especially those in the restaurant business, who have always supported the church with food and meal preparations throughout the year. We pray for those who are financially stressed from this pandemic and those who may be at risk of losing their jobs and income, knowing that their normal generosity may be delayed at this time.

Other Resources

Educational Resources

Media Resources

COVID-19 Parish Communication #2 - New Guidelines from State and Local Authorities

March 14, 2020

Dear Beloved of St. Demetrios,

This a critical moment in the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in King County. Public Health — Seattle & King County is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect the public's health. And we at St Demetrios want to assure that we are doing all within our power to protect our community as well.

On March 11, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee ordered the prohibition of gatherings of more than 250 people in King County and other western Washington counties. In addition, Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, issued a parallel local Health Officer Order for King County to prohibit gatherings of fewer than 250 people unless measures are taken by event organizers to minimize risk.

Effective immediately and until April 24, consistent with the Governor’s order, we will postpone/delay or cancel the following:

Sunday School
Greek School
Greek Dance
YiaYia/Papouthes Lunch Groups
HOPE
Dynamis
All coffee hours following liturgy and potlucks following Lenten Services
Greek Independence Day Celebration
Saturday of Lazarus breakfast and Cross making following liturgy
Palm Sunday Luncheon
Paschal Meal following the Holy Saturday Midnight Service
St Demetrios Auction May 16, 2020
Philoptochos meetings & bake sale

Under this state and local Order Church services for St Demetrios meet the criteria for events over or under 250, and we must comply with the state and county orders issued by the Governor and the Seattle King County Public Health Officer. Additionally, Metropolitan Gerasimos has directed Seattle and all Washington Clergy to continue Lenten services, therefore, Saint Demetrios will remain open while imposing stricter guidelines for attendance. PLEASE SEE GUIDELINES BELOW.

We understand these actions will have a tremendous impact on all members of our community. These efforts are meant to slow the spread of novel COVID-19 and reduce the number of people infected.

Our Orthodox faith is a source of comfort in times of confusion and suffering; a fundamental source of spiritual healing and hope; a remedy against despair, providing emotional support that is an integral part of our well-being. Yet, many churches are suspending services. Deciding whether you go to church during this period should not be a test of faith. The Lord gives us wisdom and discernment to protect each other, and we should consider doing just that. In this difficult time, please stay home if you have any risk factors or simply want to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. While at home you can read your Bible, read prayers including Great Compline, Akathists, and Paraklisis services for the well-being of you and your family, our community, and the whole world. There are also many resources to watch services online in places that are not as heavily affected.

Please also contact the church office if you are staying home and would like Fr. Photios or Fr. Daniel to bring you Holy Communion.

The COVID-19 epidemic is a time of difficulty for all of us. However, by working together and with God’s help, we will all get through this and be ever so grateful when everything turns back to normal!

In Christ’s Love and Service,

Fr. Photios Dumont, Protopresbyter

Fr. Daniel Triant, Presbyter

Barbara Trehearne, Parish Council President

Related Downloads

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We welcome all resident and non-resident Orthodox and non-Orthodox faithful to our church and invite you to join us for altar services, educational programs and events.