...And other frequently asked questions about returning to public worship at Saint Elias Parish.
Over the last few weeks new policies, procedures, and directives from the Ministry of Health and the Eparchy of Toronto have been put into place so our parish can reopen for public worship. As restrictions ease, you may have questions about the procedures at Saint Elias. For those who are ready to attend church, here are answers to frequently asked questions about the safety of coming to church.
Is it safe to pray inside Saint Elias Church?
If you are healthy, have not been recently exposed to COVID-19, are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, are not self isolating or have not traveled outside the country in the last 14 days the answer is probably YES! We are happy to see you and are doing our very best to make you feel at home, coming to church again. Participating outdoors in the courtyard is always an option.
Isn’t it crowded in church?
NO, there is plenty of room. At this time occupancy is limited to 50 people (including clergy and servers) inside the church. This is less than the 30% of capacity allowed by the Provincial Health Guidelines. At Divine Liturgy, families and individuals will be led in to church and shown to their places.
Our church is small – will I be too close to others?
NO. Physical distancing is easily observed. Faithful stand in household groups or as individuals 2 meters (6 feet) from each other and a minimum of 3 meters (9 feet) from singers. Movement by clergy and singers is minimized for the time being.)
I can’t stand for too long – can I still use the benches?
YES, of course! Those who need seating will be escorted to areas where benches are easily accessible.
Can I bring my children to church?
YES, and we miss them! Children are very welcome in church and accomodated in family friendly areas. Relying only on live streaming can be impractical or inaccesible to all. If you feel anxious about attending Divine Liturgy, consider attending other services, like Vespers on Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm and Sunday and Festal Matins at 8:00 am (or weekday Vespers at 7:00 pm and weekday Matins at 7:00 am). Attending outdoors is always a safe option. Baby changing facilities are available. If you have any questions at all, please call the parish office.
Can I still buy candles and commemoration prosphoras?
YES, of course! A stand is set up outside to purchase candles, which at this time will be placed and lit for you by an attendant (just like in a busy church in Ukraine!). You can still write down names for the commemoration of the living and the deceased on the cards provided, but prosphoras are not distributed in order to reduce physical contact.
Confession and Communion
For the last few months, Sacraments have been safely available to our parishioners on request without interruption and now, with full reopening, procedures have been modified to maintain the sacredness of the Sacraments and reception of Holy Communion. Confession is avaialble by appointment and during certain services. The priest and penitent both wear masks during Confession. Please call the parish office for more details. Communion is distributed on individual sanitized spoons. Remember to maintain 2 meters distance in line for Communion.
Do I need to reserve a spot in church?
No- we don't need to take reservations (yet). Just come to the front door of the church and our porters will lead you to your place. When the church reaches capacity you will be welcome in the courtyard and on the porch. if you need special assistance or to make sure there is place reserved for you (for example you want to bring Baba to church) please call the office ahead of time and we will be pleased to help.
Air Quality
Windows and doors are open to allow for fresh air circulation and our high ceilings are also a benefit.
Why do I have to cover my nose and mouth with a mask or scarf while inside the church?
Peel Region (along with Toronto and Halton Regions) now requires that face coverings be worn in all indoor public spaces (including "houses of worship”), unless you are unable to do so for health or physical reasons. Face coverings indoors are a small thing we can do to protect others from the virus. Face coverings are not mandatory in the courtyard. Physical distancing is still required. Clergy wear masks at certain parts of the services. Masks are mandatory for singers.
I went shopping at the mall and had drinks on a patio with my friends. Can I still come to church?
Unless you put yourself in or work in super risky situations, the answer is YES! In fact, if you are healthy, safely socializing, shop for groceries, or have gone for a haircut you should assess how attending church fits into the priorities of your new “COVID restricted lifestyle.” Outdoor attendance is always an option.
Why do you need to know when I enter the church for services?
For now, in an abundance of caution, we record the names of families and individuals who attend each service. This information is kept private and destroyed after a certain period of time. Should there be a case of exposure, parishioners and visitors may want to know and take necessary precautions. Please trust that the parish office will not publicize or hand over any private information without your permission. If you test positive for COVID-19 and have been inside the church within the previous 14 days, please inform the parish office as soon as possible. Clergy follow the same procedures. These procedures will be reviewed and revised as necessary.
What about cleaning?
The frequency of disifection and deep cleaning has been increased in church. High touch surfaces and locations like door handles are disinfected regularly (before, during, and after liturgical services) and washrooms are cleaned more frequently. Hand sanitizer is available in several locations within the church. Washrooms are open for hand washing when necessary.
Finally
iI goes without saying that if you are sick, vulnerable, immuno-comprimized, or a caregiver for vulnerable people – you must stay home. Please note that at Saint Elias, we continue to take every reasonable precaution in order to protect your health and safety salvation. However, we can't guarantee complete and perfect protection from the viral infection because, well, only God is perfect. Use your own good judgement with the information that has been provided, so that you – and we – all end up at the right place together at the Last Judgement.
Hopefully this answers your questions and reduces some confusion! If not, please email or call the parish office.