This addendum to the diocesan policy is not applicable to Michigan yet, but we hope it soon will be as we move towards lifing the quarantine here.

PUBLIC WORSHIP AS QUARANTINES LIFT

Please find guidance for for Holy Week & Pascha from Archbishop Peter at the link below.

HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA IN THE DIOCESE OF CHICAGO & MID-AMERICA

This is a reminder that, as previously announced, the Deanery Unction service that was previously scheduled for this evening in Ferndale has been canceled due to the pandemic. Please reach out to your local priest for spiritual support as needed during this extraordinary time.

Due to the present restrictions placed upon public gatherings His Eminence, Archbishop Peter, has canceled his visit to the Sts. Sergius & Herman of Valaam Monastery in Houghton March 28-29, 2020 and to St. Vladimir Parish in Ann Arbor April 4-5, 2020. Once the pandemic subsides these visits will be rescheduled.

On March 23, 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic continued to impact the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America, His Eminence Archbishop Peter, having sought advice from several Orthodox Christian physicians, including an Infectious Disease specialist, reluctantly decided to close all temples of the diocese to public worship. The parishes of the Michigan Deanery are all effected by this decision and should act according to the information below, keeping in mind that Governor Whitmer's Executive Order is even more strict than the diocesan policy, and Rectors should see to it that the absolute minimum number of personnel necessary to hold services in each parish be present at the Divine Services. For all parishes of the deanery this should be less than 10 personnel including the clergy. Please contact Fr. Gregory with questions or concerns.

Diocesan Policy Regarding Public Worship During the Coronavirus Pandemic

On March 17, 2020 His Eminence Archbishop Peter published an important instructional letter which is in force immediately in the Michigan Deanery. This is especially important in that, according to the Executive Order of Governor Whitmer, it is now illegal for more than 50 people to publicly gather in our state. Our parishes are effected by this order and must comply with it. Archbishop Peter explains in his letter how we are to deal with this unprecidented situation. Those with questions are asked to contact our Dean, Fr. Gregory Joyce.

ARCHBISHOP PETER INSTRUCTIONAL LETTER

Please find information at the link below from the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America. These guidelines are in force in the Michigan Deanery immediately.

CORONAVIRUS ADVICE

His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America, our ruling hierarch, will visit our Michigan Deanery April 4-5, 2020. On April 4 Vladyka will preside at the Vigil at St. Vladimir Church in Ann Arbor. On April 5 Vladyka will preside at the Divine Liturgy in Ann Arbor and, God willing, ordain Subdeacon Colin Bower to the deaconate. On April 5 in the evening Vladyka will lead the Sacrament of Unction at the Dormition Cathedral in Ferndale.

With the blessing of Archbishop Peter, the annual General Unction service for our Michigan Deanery will be held at Dormition Cathedral at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2020. The address for Dormition Cathedral is: 2101 Livernois St., Ferndale, MI 48220.

По благословению архиепископа Петра, ежегодное общее Соборование Мичиганского благочиния состоится в Успенском соборе в 6:00 часов вечера в воскресенье, 5 апреля 2020 г. Адрес Успенского собора: 2101 Livernois St., Ferndale, MI 48220.

FLYER ~ ЛИСТОВКА

Beginning February 2, 2020, the St. Sebastian Mission in Traverse City will hold Reader Services each Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy will be held on February 18 and March 17. Please join us as your personal schedule allows, and please pray for the success of the mission!

Fr. Gregory Joyce
Dean of Michigan Parishes