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Category: Divine Liturgy

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In 1914, at the outbreak of the First World War, parts of western Ukraine were within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one of the Central Powers against which Britain and her dominions and allies were at war. This prompted the Canadian government of the time to class Ukrainian immigrants and naturalised Canadians of Ukrainian descent as enemy aliens under the War Measures Act. Ukrainian Canadians were treated as enemy aliens regardless of their individual origins, political views, or allegiances. Across the country, approximately 8,000 men, women, and children were confined to internment camps, labour camps, or local gaols. Another 80,000 were registered as enemy aliens and required to regularly report to police and carry and produce identity papers on demand. The internment and registration of Ukrainians in Canada lasted from the outbreak of the war in 1914 until 1920, two years after the cessation of fighting.

For a year, from 20 September 1914 to 17 September 1915, Ukrainians in Nanaimo were interned at local provincial government premises, before being relocated to camps elsewhere in the province. In all, 24 receiving stations and camps were set up across Canada, with Ukrainian Canadians being joined as the war went on by those of German, Austrian, Bohemian and other descent.

On Sunday 27 October 2024, at 11AM, we will hold a memorial service—Divine Liturgy followed by Panakhyda—for the victims of Canada’s internment operations during the First World War. We are especially pleased to welcome our brothers and sisters from Saint Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox parish in Parksville on this occasion.

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The Resurrection of Our Lord
Matins, Divine Liturgy, and Blessing of Paschal Food

Matins, followed by Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 8AM 4 April 2021.

At the commencement of the Divine Liturgy, after the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it:

Paschal Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

First Antiphon
Verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, * sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works! * Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Let all the earth worship You and sing to You, * let it sing to Your name, O Most High!
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Verse: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Verse: So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Entrance verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One, * yet You destroyed the power of Hades; * and You rose as victor, O Christ God, * calling to the myrrhbearing women: Rejoice! * and giving peace to Your Apostles: * You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.

Instead of “Holy God” we sing: All you who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
This is the day which the Lord has made; * let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:24,1)

Epistle : Acts 1:1–8
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This,’ he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: When you rise, You will have compassion on Sion. (Psalm 101:14)
Verse: The Lord looked down from heaven to earth to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free the sons of those put to death. (Psalm 101:20)

Gospel : John 1:1–17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Instead of ‘It is truly...’ we sing: The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.

Сommunion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ; * taste the fountain of immortality. * Alleluia, alleluia, * alleluia.

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

Instead of “Blessed is He” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (1x).

Instead of “We have seen the true light” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (1x).

Instead of “Let our mouths be filled” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).

Instead of “Blessed be the name of the Lord” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).

At the end of the Liturgy we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).
And to us he has granted life eternal;* we bow down before his resurrection on the third day.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 31 March 2021.

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Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 27 March.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 26 March 2021.

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Feast of the Annunciation

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 25 March 2021.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 24 March 2021.

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Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 6 March.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 5 March 2021.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 3 March 2021.

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Divine Liturgy with Sorokousty

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria.
9AM, Saturday 27 February.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 26 February 2021.

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Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

From Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker parish, Victoria BC.
6PM, 24 February 2021.

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The Theophany of Our Lord

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 6 January 2021.

First Antiphon
Verse: When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Therefore let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Entrance Verse: Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4
Today you have appeared to the world and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us, who with knowledge sing Your praises. You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Instead of the Trisagion we sing:
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and ever, Amen. You have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He, who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever.

Epistle : Titus 2:11–15; 3:4–7
A reading from the Second Epistle of Saint Apostle Paul to Titus
My son Titus, the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and generous love of God our saviour appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
Verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters.

Gospel : Matthew 3: 13–17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptised by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and yet you are coming to me?’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’

Instead of ‘It is truly...’ we sing:
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptised in the Jordan.
Irmos, Tone 4 Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good, accept out faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.

Сommunion Hymn
The Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

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Nativity of Our Lord

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 25 December 2020.

First Antiphon
Verse: I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart, * I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: In the council of the just and the congregation, * great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: His work is filled with praise and majesty, * and His righteousness endures forever.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of you feet.’
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Verse: The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Zion; reign in the midst of your enemies.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Verse: Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in his splendour of your holy ones.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Entrance Verse: From the womb before the daystar I begot you. The Lord has sworn an oath and will not go back on His word: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3
The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being; * the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach; * Angels with shepherds give Him glory, * while Magi make their way with a star, * for to us is born a little Child, the pre-eternal God.

Instead of ‘Holy God’ we sing: All you who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Prokimenon, Tone 8
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You; * let it sing to Your Name, O Most High.
Verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.

Epistle : Galatians 4:4–7
A Reading from the letter of Saint Apostle Paul to the Galatians:
Sisters and Brothers, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands.
Verse: Day announces its message unto day and night proclaims its knowledge unto night.

Gospel : Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.’ After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Instead of ‘It is truly…’ we sing: O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger. Irmos, Tone 1: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold: the cave is heaven; the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim; the manger, a dwelling place in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain. Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

Сommunion Hymn
The Lord has sent deliverance * to His people. * Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

Instead of ‘Blessed is He who comes…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)

Instead of ‘We have seen the true light…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)

Instead of ‘May our mouths…’ and ‘Blessed be the Name…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3x)

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On Saturday 30 May, the feast of Pentecost, celebration of public liturgy will resume at our parish, under the directives laid out by Bishop David in the letter reproduced in full below. Please familiarise yourself with these directives before deciding whether to recommence attending Divine Liturgy, so that you understand what will be different, and what rules are in place regarding distancing and other risk reduction measures. Parish council members will be preparing the church according to the directives during the week. Key things to remember are:

  • The dispensation from the obligation to attend Divine Liturgy remains in place. You may decide not to attend, and in some circumstances you should not attend.
  • If planning to attend, please confirm in advance by contacting Father Yuriy and then ensure your name is checked off when you arrive at the church. This is to enable contact tracing should someone be diagnosed with COVID-19, and to confirm that we do not exceed the number of people permitted in the church.
  • An usher will be at the door of the church to answer questions and to ensure that directives are observed.
  • Maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from other faithful at all times, including while entering and exiting the church.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available at the entry of the church, and should be used.
  • Veneration of icons or crosses should be done without kissing or touching them.
  • Tape on the floor and on pews will indicate minimum distance and areas available for seating. Because ours is a small church, the total number of people who can attend will be quite limited by the minimum distance requirements. Members of the same household are permitted to sit together, but only so long as each person is a minimum distance from members of other households.
  • No liturgy books will be available in the pews.
  • Congregational singing is not permitted, so the Liturgy will either be recited or the responses voiced by a single cantor standing apart from the congregation.
  • At some times during the service the priest will pray in silence rather than aloud, and at other times will be wearing a mask.
  • At the end of the service, please follow the usher‘s directions to leave the church by pew row, maintaining minimum distance.
  • Please follow directions of the priest during the service, and take a few minutes now to read the full directives below. Thank you.

✙   ✙   ✙

The crest of the Eparchy of New Westminster

Chancery Office, Eparchy of New Westminster
21 May 2020

Directives for the Re-opening of Churches
and the Resumption of Public Liturgical Services

Слава Ісусу Христу!
Glory be to Jesus Christ!

Dear Reverend Pastors and Faithful,

As we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord, Jesus—just before ascending to heaven and returning to the Father—commissions the apostles, saying, ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28: 19-20).

We too have been commissioned by Jesus through our baptism to share the Good News of the Gospel message with all people, starting with our family, friends and neighbours.

It is in this light that, with joy in our hearts, we announce the re-opening of our churches and the resumption of public liturgical services, although with limits and restrictions.

From time to time, it may be necessary to update our Directives based upon advice from our health care officials and ‘best practice feedback’ from our parishes as they re-open.

As we move towards gradual re-opening and the resumption of public liturgical services, it is critical that we understand the potential for the spread of COVID-19 among our faithful and take steps to minimize the risk of spread, especially among high risk populations within our congregations.

The health and safety of everyone is first and foremost.

To be successful in British Columbia’s relaunch and church re-openings, we will need to continue to do what we are doing, namely:

  • follow public health measures;
  • practice physical distancing and good hygiene; and
  • continue acting responsibly.

The following Directives for the Re-opening of Churches and the Resumption of Public Liturgical Services address the following areas:

A. Readying our parishes for re-opening
B. Deciding whether to attend church services or not
C. Determining the 50-person or less maximum
D. Physical distancing seating
E. Entering and exiting the church
F. Participating in the Divine Liturgy and other services

A. Readying our parishes for re-opening

  • 1. Pastors, in consultation with their Parish Pastoral Councils, parish staff and others concerned, must communicate clearly and effectively with their parishioners about their plans for when and how they will resume public liturgical services.
  • 2. Specifically, the communication should cover the following areas:
    2.1. How the parish will determine the 50-person or less maximum to participate in the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical services.
    2.2. How the parish will ensure physical distancing.
    2.3. The measures the parish will take to ensure proper sanitation.
  • 3. The Divine Liturgy schedule, if altered to allow more time between services, should be published.
  • 4. No ‘drive in’ or ‘parking lot’ services are permitted.
  • 5. An adequate stock of hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies should be readily available at the time of reopening.
  • 6. Social gatherings before or after church services (including coffee and doughnuts) are not to take place at this time.
  • 7. If a parish is unable for practical or other reasons to maintain strict physical distancing and perform the cleaning requirements as indicated in these Directives, the pastor must not celebrate the Divine Liturgy or any other liturgical services publicly until such time as the parish is able to do so.

B. Deciding whether to attend or not to attend church services

  • 8. The faithful continue to be dispensed from the obligation to attend the Divine Liturgy in church at this time.
  • 9. All those attending church services do so at their own risk. It is important for individuals and families to take responsibility for protecting themselves — and others.
  • 10. Prior to attending liturgical services, the faithful should use the self-assessment tool provided by the Government of British Columbia.
  • 11. The following individuals must stay home for the sake of the wider community.
  • 11.1. Those with COVID-19 and those who live with someone with COVID-19.
    11.2. Those who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
    11.3. Anyone feeling sick with a cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat, even if symptoms appear to be mild or resemble a cold.
    11.4. Anyone at high risk from COVID-19, for example, those with chronic medical conditions, especially with upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
    11.5. Those who have recently travelled outside of Canada.
  • 12. The following individuals are encouraged to stay home for the sake of the wider community
    12.1. Those who live with someone with upper respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
    12.2. Older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes).
    12.3. Family members who live with the elderly or those who are at risk.
  • 13. When at home, individuals and families are encouraged to follow the liturgical services on livestream or Telus (channel 876), or set aside some time to pray, read the Sacred Scriptures or some other spiritual reading.
  • 14. Clergy (priests, deacons, subdeacons) and assistants (sacristans, altar servers, lectors, cantors) with a respiratory infection of any kind must not celebrate or participate in public Divine Liturgies and the sacraments.

C. Determining the 50-person or less maximum

  • 15. The Government of British Columbia re-launch limits the number of faithful gathering for the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical services to no more than 50 people or one third of normal worship space, whichever is smaller, and whichever ensures that physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) will be maintained. This includes clergy, sacristans, altar servers, lectors, cantors, etc.
  • 16. All individuals found to be in violation of gathering restrictions are subject to a $1,000 penalty.
  • 17. Additional Divine Liturgies may be scheduled with greater frequency to accommodate the spiritual needs of the faithful.
  • 18. To ensure that the maximum number of 50 people is not exceeded at any time, the faithful must pre-register through email or by calling the parish, indicating their wish to attend a particular Divine Liturgy or other liturgical service — they must receive confirmation prior to attending.
  • 19. The faithful should not pre-register for more than one liturgical service until everyone who wishes to attend has had an opportunity to do so (which might be every week, or every 2 or 3 weeks).
  • 20. A list of attendees and their contact information must be maintained should someone test positive for COVID-19, thereby assisting public health officials with contact tracing and follow-up. The list must be kept until advised otherwise.

D. Physical distancing and seating

  • 21. Except for members of the same household, physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet) from another person must be maintained by everyone on the church property (in the church, on the church steps, in the parking lot, in the washrooms, etc.)
  • 22. Tape or rope can be used to close off 2 or 3 rows of pews between the seating pews, to ensure physical distancing.
  • 23. Seats which can be used should be clearly marked.
  • 24. Members of the same household may sit together in the same pew.
  • 25. Infants and children should remain with their parents at all times. Cry rooms are closed at this time.
  • 26. When the faithful are required to stand in line, for example, to receive Holy Communion, go to confession, or use the washroom, tape can be placed on the church floor to indicate proper spacing between persons.
  • 27. Clergy and assistants are to remain at least 2 metres (6 feet) from each other and from the congregation during the entire liturgical service.

E. Entering and exiting the church

  • 28. Entry to the church is provided through a single door of entry, taking into consideration access for the handicapped.
  • 29. A separate point of exit is to be used, where possible.
  • 30. Entrance and exit doors should be propped open, where possible, as people enter/exit so that the faithful need not touch the door handles or doors.
  • 31. The faithful are to be welcomed by a greeter/usher, who will:
    31.1. assist in staggering the time of their arrival and departure to ensure physical distancing of at least 2 metres (6 feet);
    31.2. check their name off the list of confirmed attendees;
    31.3. remind them of the requirement for physical distancing;
    31.4. remind them to sanitize their hands upon entry to and exit from the church; and
    31.5. remind the faithful that the veneration of icons, crosses, etc., should be done without touching or kissing them.
  • 32. Members of the same household may enter and exit together.
  • 33. Once the maximum permitted space has been reached, additional people are not permitted to enter the church building.
  • 34. People who simply show up must be turned away; however, they are to be informed of how they can register for another Divine Liturgy or liturgical service.
  • 35. The greeter/usher will dismiss the faithful by rows at the end of the liturgical service.
  • 36. There should be no social gatherings after the liturgical services. The faithful should promptly leave the church and parking lot upon the completion of the services.

F. Participating during Liturgical Services

  • Use of face masks
    37.     The faithful are encouraged to wear face masks, however, it is not required if physical distancing is maintained at all times.
  • Singing led by a single cantor
    38. Congregational and choral (choir) singing is a high-risk activity and is not allowed because infected people can transmit the virus through their saliva or respiratory droplets.
    39. Instead, the sung responses during the liturgical services may be led by a single cantor, while the faithful remain prayerfully silent.
    40. A designated area, completely separated from the faithful, must be set aside for the cantor, as singing disperses droplets in a wider area than speaking.
    41. Where the parish has chosen to recite the entire Divine Liturgy, the faithful may actively participate in the responses, provided that physical distancing is maintained.
    42. Where the parish recites some parts of the Divine Liturgy and sings others, again, the sung parts are to be led by a single cantor, while the faithful remain prayerfully silent.
  • Collection
    43.     Rather than passing a collection basket hand-to-hand, a basket is to be placed at the front of the Church for the convenience of the faithful in making their financial contribution in support of the mission of the Church.
  • Kiss of Peace
    44.     At the Kiss of Peace, the faithful can acknowledge each other with a simple bow and refrain from hand shaking altogether.
  • Distribution of Holy Communion
    45.     The priest is to wash his hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer immediately before the preparation of the gifts of bread and wine prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Proskomedia).
    46. The priest prays the prayers of the Rite of Preparation (Proskomedia) silently so that droplets dispersed by speaking is avoided. Alternatively, the priest is to wear a mask. The priest is always must prepare a second chalice from which he will partake at communion.
    47. Once the gifts of bread and wine are transferred to the holy table (altar) at the Great Entrance, they are to remain completely covered with the veils until the consecration.
    48. During the consecration, when the gifts of bread and wine are uncovered, the priest is to step back from the holy table at least 2 metres (6 feet) and remains there until communion in order to avoid droplets being dispersed in speaking or singing the words of consecration.
    49. The priest again is to wash his hands with hand sanitizer immediately before the fraction of the Lamb and the placing of the consecrated particles into the chalice for distribution to the faithful.
    50. After the priest partakes of the precious Body of Christ in the usual way, he then partakes from the precious Blood of Christ from the chalice which has prepared for his own use.
    51. Where there are concelebrants, the priests receive the Eucharist by intinction, that is, they dip the precious Body of Christ into the separately prepared chalice for clergy, always being careful not to touch the precious Blood with their fingers. For this purpose, specially prepared longer particles (rectangular) can be used. Alternatively, the concelebrants are to receive the precious Blood of Christ from the individual chalices prepared for them.
    52. Only one priest should distribute Holy Communion to the entire congregation.
    53. The priest should wear a face mask when distributing the Eucharist. He silently prays the usual prayer, ‘The servant of God, [name], partakes of the precious, most holy and most pure Body and Blood of our Lord…,’ as each communicant approaches. This avoids the dispersion of any droplets by the priest.
    54. Holy Communion is to be distributed to the faithful at the usual time during the Divine Liturgy.
    55. The Eucharist is to be distributed with single-use disposable wooden spoons, which are to be burnt and properly disposed after usage.
    56. If the priest senses that his fingers have made contact with a person’s mouth or hands, he should pause, place the chalice on the tetrapod, and use hand sanitizer to cleanse his hands prior to continuing to distribute the Eucharist.
    57. For people with celiac disease, a separate small chalice is to be prepared. The amount of wine used must be small enough for the communicant to drink it entirely.
    58. After everyone who wishes to approach to receive Holy Communion has done so, the priest is to recite the Prayer of Spiritual Communion, since not everyone may feel comfortable in approaching to receive the Eucharist at this time.
    59. All sacred vessels are to be thoroughly cleansed and purified with soap and hot water.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting the Church
    60.     Hand sanitizing should take place at the entrance of the church for those attending the Divine Liturgy and other liturgical services. Hand sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol.
    61. A bottle of hand sanitizer, touched by many, should not be used. Instead, use an automatic dispenser or have an usher/greeter spray the hands of those entering and exiting the church.
    62. Holy water fonts are to be remain empty.
    63. Personal protective practices are to be promoted (coughing and sneezing etiquette, hand hygiene).
    64. Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting the church should take place, including surfaces that are touched often, including doors, railings, pews, common areas, washrooms*).
    64.1. *Due to the need for strict cleaning and sanitizing, it is recommended that washrooms be closed or open with limited access and available for emergencies.
    65. The church should be cleaned and disinfected between each service using accepted products and practices.
    66. All Divine Liturgy books, hymnals, paper, and other items are to be removed from the pews for the protection of the faithful. People may bring their own Divine Liturgy books or download the Divine Liturgy text on their mobile device.
    67. Individual church bulletins should not be distributed, unless they are handed out by an usher/ greeter as parishioners enter the church.
  • Baptisms, weddings and funerals
    68.     The celebration of baptisms, weddings and funerals are permitted, while maintaining the precautions listed above.
  • Grave blessings
    69.     Grave-side blessings are permitted, while maintaining the precautions listed above.
  • Parish Pastoral Council meetings
    70.     Meetings of the parish pastoral council is permitted, again while maintaining the precautions listed above.
    71. No coffee or socializing after meetings is allowed.
    72. All other meetings are not permitted at this time, including bible study groups, youth groups, UCWLC, UCBC, and Knights of Columbus.

Financial Support
At this critical time, your financial support is greatly appreciated. Our eparchy and parishes continue to incur expenses as we strive to fulfil the mission which God has entrusted to the Church. Please contact your local parish as to how you can make a donation.

Stay safe and healthy
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of British Columbia continues to ask each of us to stay safe and to continue acting responsibly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The success of the British Columbia relaunch and the re-opening of Churches and the resumption of public liturgical services depends to a great extent on how closely we adhere to the provincial health regulations and church liturgical directives.

Together, our actions can make a difference in the lives of family, friends and strangers alike.

With gratitude for your patience and cooperation, I assure you that your well-being, both spiritual and physical, is of paramount importance as we take these initial steps to resume public participation in our liturgical services.

May the blessings of the All Holy Trinity be upon you and your family.

Bishop David