As you probably know, Phase 3 Re-Opening for the state of CT began October 8. What that means for churches is that we can increase to 50% capacity which for us at Holy Trinity is approximately 50 people. This means that we will be able to stop having A and B weeks and go back to “normal” attendance at church on Sundays for liturgy.
This will bring some changes to the parish. Here are some reminders of safety procedures that will be in effect:
We will no longer have A week and B week—people can come to church as they are able on any given Sunday and there will no longer be assigned seats.
• Parishioners will be seated when they arrive, using every other pew with 2 units per pew.
• We have shifted the ribboned off pews by one so that we now have 5 pews on either side that are useable including the first pew and the last one. (We can seat 10 units in pews, 4 in the side alcoves, 4 in the choir loft and potentially 2 additional people up front if needed.)
• Seating will be first come, first served.
• If we reach capacity, parishioners who arrive later will have the option to stand in the vestibule (6ft distance), outside on the porch or downstairs and come up into the church to receive communion. (If necessary, we can arrange to have the service shown on the TV downstairs for overflow.)
• Parishioners will receive communion and prosphora starting from the front of the church to the back as directed and maintaining 6 ft distance between each other as they approach Fr. Luke.
• Parishioners will continue to follow one-way direction in the church whenever possible.
• All parishioners are asked to wear masks while in church for liturgy.
• All parishioners are asked to use hand sanitizer upon entering the church.
• All parishioners are asked to maintain a 6ft distance between each other as much as possible.
• When receiving communion, parishioners are asked to tilt their heads back, open their mouths wide and please do not stick out your tongue to make it easier for Fr. Luke to place Eucharist in your mouth without any contact with the spoon.
• If you have any symptoms of sickness, please stay home.
• We will continue to use the air handler and keep windows open for optimal air movement. It is suggested that parishioners plan to wear coats or warmer clothes to stay comfortable.
• If you are uncomfortable attending liturgy at this time and would like to receive communion, please contact Fr. Luke to make arrangements to do so.

From Bishop Gregory, General, Parish Gatherings & Outings

A Nationwide Approach of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA for the Staged Reopening of Churches during the COVID-19 Pandemic

May 17, 2020 Fr. Luke Mihaly Leave a comment

“Feed My Lambs”

To the Orthodox Christian Faithful of the United States of America:

Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

In this time of global pandemic, the majority of the Faithful of our Churches have been withheld from receiving Holy Communion and attending Divine Services in order to safeguard their health and the health of others. We, the Hierarchs of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA, are taking action to restore the possibility of Holy Eucharist to the “lambs” of Christ, in accordance with His word.[1]…

http://www.assemblyofbishops.org/news/2020/covid19-reopening

General, Parish Gatherings & Outings

Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You May 15, 2020 | Brett McCracken

May 17, 2020 Fr. Luke Mihaly Leave a comment

For church leaders and elder boards everywhere, the last few months have presented a near-constant array of complex challenges related to shepherding a church during the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest complex challenge is perhaps the trickiest yet: how to prudently resume in-person gatherings.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-dont-let-coronavirus-divide/

Bake and Craft Sales, General, Services

April 3, 2020 Fr. Luke Mihaly Leave a comment

Dear Bake Sale Customers,

As we adjust our plans with the goal of keeping everyone safe during this crisis, we have decided to cancel our Easter Craft and Bake Sale for this weekend. Many of you have sent in orders and we will hold on to them and contact you when we have rescheduled the eventual sale. For those of you who have also paid for your orders, we are holding the checks and not cashing them. If you would like us to send your check back to you, please contact us via email (padreluke@aol.com) or by phone (203-797-8326) and leave your name and address.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

We at Holy Trinity parish are praying for God’s help for those suffering, those serving and all of us as we do what we can to stay safe and care for one another.

General, Services

March 22, 2020 Fr. Luke Mihaly Leave a comment

Out of concern for the safety of our parishioners, the Danbury community, and the world at large due to the spread of COVID 19, all of the Divine Services at Holy Trinity are, unfortunately, closed to the public. You are able to watch our services via Facebook Livestream at https://www.facebook.com/htocdanbury/

We apologize for any inconvenience, but ask that you keep us, and the entire world, in your prayers for a quick end to this threat facing our communities as we will pray for you and the whole world.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Danbury CT

All posts by Fr. Luke Mihaly

Services and Events February 28 – March 7

Schedule of Services and Events February 21- February 28

Services and Events November 1 – November 8

Services and Events October 18 – October 25

Services and Events October 11 – October 18

Phase 3 Opening in Connecticut

A Nationwide Approach of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA for the Staged Reopening of Churches during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You May 15, 2020 | Brett McCracken

“… a place of refuge full of love and joy.”