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The Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
2158 ROUTE 106 • MUTTONTOWN • NEW YORK 11791 ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (718) 470 9844 • Fax (718) 470 9219
www.neamericandiocese.org • [email protected]
By the Grace of God, Zachariah Mar Nicholovos,
Diocesan Metropolitan CK No. 8/2020 March 16, 2020 Blessings to our Very Reverend Chor Episcopoi, Reverend Fathers, Reverend Deacon, and faithful of the Northeast American Diocese. Dearly beloved, During the Lenten Season we typically immerse ourselves in worship, prayer, and reflection in our churches calling upon God for His mercy. COVID-19 prevents us from doing so together, but we must continue in the spirit of this Lenten Spring. We look to the examples of saintly people like Mar Gregorios of Parumala and Mar Gregorios of Pampady, who increased their time in prayer, fasting, and scripture reading when pandemics faced our ancestors in Kerala, India. Let us look to their example, as we call upon God, to rid the entire world of COVID-19.
At the very same time it is dependent upon us to pray and work with God to rid the world of this treacherous virus. It is for this reason His Holiness the Catholicos of the East and our humble self, have issued directives on how the church must continue being a beacon of hope during this time. In light of the recent decisions by government officials, and the CDC we are offering the following directives in addition to what our clergy have already received:
1. It is evident that one of the major ways to slow the rate of infection of COVID-19 is through social distancing (i.e., self-imposed isolation). This is an important way to show love and care for our fellow brothers and sisters. If we do not, our hospitals will be overwhelmed by the number of cases.
2. Our clergy are to celebrate Holy Qurbana in our parishes assisted by acolytes. They should do so only if their health and local situation permits them to do so during this pandemic. The rest of our faithful must refrain from coming to church. This is for their own safety, and due to the mandate of many government officials who have ruled that there should be no gatherings of more than 10 people. Parishes are to live stream Holy Qurbana if possible or encourage the faithful to watch services live streamed by parishes doing so. This is only permissible until this pandemic passes.
3. Our parishes/congregations must adhere to the directives and precautions set forth by local government officials.
The Northeast American Diocese of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
2158 ROUTE 106 • MUTTONTOWN • NEW YORK 11791 ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone (718) 470 9844 • Fax (718) 470 9219
www.neamericandiocese.org • [email protected]
4. Our Vicars and Assistant Vicars are to consult/inform with their respective committees if you are forced to cancel Divine Services at our Churches.
These directives will be in effect until further orders. Additional directives can be issued by us, if deemed necessary.
This is a time for us to increase our faith, and be filled with hope. May we not fall into the temptation and descend into fear or anxiety. Let us continue to pray for the all the sick, and those who are caring for them, especially the medical teams who are exhausting their efforts to combat this pandemic.
Commending you all to the loving care of our Lord!
Yours in our Lord,
Zachariah Nicholovos, Metropolitan
