Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church

Bulletin Announcements

Sunday, July 12, 2020

5th Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday of Sts. Peter and Paul

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• Congratulations to our newest member of the Orthodox Church, Sebastian George Losito (son of Stephanie and Anthony Losito) on his Baptism and Chrismation.  May God Bless you with many happy and blessed years!

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• New Church hall water heater has been installed and is now working.  Thank you to those who donated towards the costs.  Keep washing your hands!

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• COVID Reminders:

  • Parishioners and friend of our Parish may attend services

  • Church services will only be available for our current parishioners at this time in accordance with guidelines issued by the Assembly of Orthodox Bishops​

  • In accordance with Indiana's "Back on Track" plan:  Hoosiers aged 65 and older and people with known high-risk medical conditions should limit exposure at work and in their communities.  Therefore, it is suggested that parishioners aged 65 and older as well as those with known high risk medical conditions refrain from attending church services at this time.

  • Face coverings are recommended - PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MASK

  • Social distancing will be set and adhered to

  • NO COFFEE HOUR or luncheon due to current restrictions

  • Anyone who is not feeling well should refrain from attending Church services until they are feeling better, in other words stay home and participate by watching on the internet

  • Parishes were instructed to provide hand sanitizers in the Narthex of the Church.

  • Venerating of icons and the hand cross is usually with a kiss.  At this time it might be prudent to reduce or eliminate these activities.  It is very difficult for me to tell a faithful individual who for many years has kissed these religious items to stop.  It is a personal choice.  If you wish to kiss an icon and/or the cross, go ahead.  If you choose not to, just bow.

  • The Kiss of Peace which is observed in many of our Diocesan parishes should be avoided.

  • The Eucharist will be distributed as usual.  Parishioners are reminded to approach the Chalice with their mouths wide open, in order to receive the Body and the Blood of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ.  This gift is the medicine of our lives.  Either we believe that indeed it is the Body and the Blood of Christ or we don’t.  In the Orthodox understanding it is and so the Eucharist cannot be a vector/method/way of illness or death.  

  • Following Church services a thorough cleaning and disinfecting should be performed on all exposed surfaces (for example door knobs, candle stands, liturgical items, etc.).

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• We keep our first responders and medical professionals in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  We also pray for those inflicted with this terrible disease that they may have a speedy recovery.  We remember and pray for those who have fallen asleep in the Lord as a result of COVID.  May their Memories be Eternal!​​​​​