In reaction to Corona Virus Awareness and in the abundance of precaution, ALL NON RELIGIOUS SERVICE activities will be cancelled at St. Nicholas until March 20th. This includes: Sunday School, Greek School, Volleyball and Youth meetings.
The Greek Independence Day observation to be held on Sun. 3/22 will be postponed to a latter date.
I encourage those able, to attend Church, to offer our united prayers to God! The 2nd Stanza of the Akathist hymn will be chanted this Friday evening at 7:30 pm and Sunday Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 am. I pray we may gather in faith and unity as we continue to observe the holy days of Great Lent!
These precautionary actions are being taken to protect ourselves and everyone around us.
Our Church will take appropriate and advised steps in cleaning the physical Nave of St. Nicholas, so that now, more than ever, our religious services can continue while we pray to God for His blessings and protection! May we have the intercessions of the Virgin Mary, especially while we pray the Salutations and the Akathist Hymn!
It is important to exercise the following safe practices recommended by the CDC and our Archdiocese:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
Even while healthy, keep distance from others.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Refrain from venerating Holy Icons, and simply bow with the sign of the Holy Cross.
Antidoron will be distributed only at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.
IF YOU FEEL ILL, STAY HOME!
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May we turn to God with the following prayer:
Let us offer this prayer in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ our God, You traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At Your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience Your healing love.
Heal those O Lord who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fears, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.
Lord Jesus Christ, healer of all and physician of our souls and bodies, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.
Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know Your peace. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know Your protection and peace.
Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know Your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.
Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Lord Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.
For You are the Physician of our souls and bodies Christ our God and to You do we offer glory, thanksgiving and worship together with Your Eternal Father and Your All Holy Good and Lifegiving Spirit now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Let us keep safe, prayer for those who are affected, and help those who need assistance. Please contact me directly, or through our church office with questions or concerns. May God bless us all with health and patience, as we continue to observe these holy days of Great Lent! May St Nicholas protect us!
With Love in Christ,
Fr. Demetrios Kazakis
St Nicholas
Babylon, NY