The Orthodox Church is now moving deeper into the pre-Nativity season–readying ourselves for the Christmas, the birth of God in the flesh! This year, mindful of the ongoing spread of Covid-19, we approach the Mystery with deep sobriety that is nonetheless mingled with profound joy. We are grateful that:
- Our church is fully open for worship (visitors welcome)
- Our Sunday Coffee Hour is back (outdoors primarily)
- Parish life events are once again populating our calendar
- Youth, young adults, and college students activites have resumed
- Christian Education (with some modification) is back on track
- Archbishop Alexander visited us Nov. 20-22–his first diocesan parish visit since the pandemic began. (See photos below and on Facebook.)
As we head late-fall and winter, we look forward to:
- Regular services in-person (also broadcast live on our YouTube channel)
- A weekly coninutation of our new in-person (and recorded) series “A Practical Handbook of Faith” every Wednesday at 720pm (following our 630pm Vespers)
- A weekly online Adult Sunday School module (write Fr. Justin for more info)
- “Super Saturday” Children’s Education events–every 3 or 4 Saturdays. (Our next Super Saturdays are Dec. 5 and Jan. 9.)
- Continuing our journey towards Christmas in the Nativity Fast (Nov. 15-Dec. 24) inlcluding:
- Thanksgiving Services (Wed., Nov. 25, 630pm Thanksgiving Akathist & Thanksgiving Day Liturgy at 9am)
- St. Nicholas Celebrations (Sat., Dec. 5, 3pm Super Saturday with St. Nicholas Vespers & Visit)
- St. Herman Celebrations (Sat., Dec. 12, 630pm Great Vespers for St. Herman & Children’s Time)
- Nativity, New Year’s, and Theophany Services
How is our Parish Handling Covid?
You can read our updated “notes” on our “Open Door Plan,” outlining our current practices at St. Athanasius and our commitment to gather together. We remind our parish faithful and visitors of some basic guidelines when we gather at the church:
- wash hands upon entering the church
- wear masks while worshipping and moving through the corridors
- try to maintain 6 ft. of social distance between families
- try to fellowship outdoors (going indoors in inclement weather)
- should you feel ill or have a temperature, stay home and pray via our YouTube livestream
We invite you to come visit our church and pray at any of our services or to schedule a time to meet with our priest, Fr. Justin (859-361-2823.) Of course, you are still welcome to connect virtually, through the livestreaming options.
Here are some photos from our Archbishop’s visit Nov. 20-22.
