May 23, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is Risen! Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη!
While we have heard recently from the President that Churches should reopen immediately, St. Demetrios will NOT be open to the public until further notice . We do need to remember, that opening is subject to three levels of authority: the Federal Government and the CDC, the State and County here, but ultimately , His Eminence, Metropolitan Gerasimos and the Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese.
Yesterday, during our weekly Metropolis Clergy Zoom meeting, amid the optimism of the President's statement, we were reminded that re-opening can only happen when those three levels of authority have converged to give us a green light. St. Demetrios parish will open in concert with the rest of the Washington Vicariate parishes, once we are permitted to do so by Washington State authorities, have fulfilled the Metropolis Re-opening Plan , and had it signed off by the Vicar and the Chancellor.
His Eminence and the leadership of the Metropolis are actively monitoring the situation, and we are all praying that the timetable for reopening will be as speedy as possible--but of course we must maintain compliance with King County and State of Washington directives, which are aimed at the protection of each person living here.
We have a team in place that is developing the necessary procedures to complete the Metropolis Re-opening Plan and ensure we stay safe as we move come back together. However, please realize that when we do open that it will be a slow and measured process, starting with a handful of the faithful and expanding from there as we work to perfect safety measures.
His Eminence stated in a video message he released today, " When our church doors are opened, you will also have to become more deliberate, patient, and understanding when you attend services. [...] As the Epistle of James teaches us, 'be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.' (James 1:19)"
Again, St Demetrios will NOT be open to the public this Sunday. We know that you are anxious to return to Church, but we ask you to have patience, and to pray for us, the clergy and laity of St. Demetrios, who are working to ensure we can come back safely very soon.
Christ is Risen! Χριστὸς Ἀνέστη!
With Love in the Risen Lord,
+Fr. Photios
+Fr. Daniel
Barbara Trehearne, PC President
