The Eastern Diocese has released updated guidelines for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to steep declines in transmission rates in the United States.
The new Diocesan guidelines were issued in consultation with physicians and experts of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO). Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan and Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian have been working closely with AAHPO since the beginning of the pandemic crisis.
With the country seeing a general loosening of restrictions, the updated guidelines move Diocesan parishes closer to the resumption of full, in-person activity and liturgical life. For example, the wearing of masks will now be optional for people in the church facilities. At-risk individuals (such as the elderly, and those with co-morbidities or weakened immunity) are still encouraged to wear masks.
Practices like the Kiss of Peace, and kissing the cross and gospel, are fully restored under the new guidelines. Parishes may also resume gatherings of all sizes in parish halls, including sit down meals. Naturally, since conditions vary from state to state, Diocesan parishes are advised to continue monitoring and adhering to regulations issued by their local civil and health authorities.
The updated Diocesan guidelines were issued in a directive to clergy dated March 9, 2022, and went into effect immediately. The text of the directive appears below.
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Update to COVID Guidelines in the Eastern Diocese.
Thankfully the signs are very positive that COVID is in steep decline here in the United States. Having consulted with the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), and realizing that clergy and parishioners alike are eager for the full restoration of parish activities, the following guidelines are in effect immediately, throughout the Eastern Diocese:
1. The wearing of masks in church facilities is now optional. However, they continue to be encouraged for the elderly; those with co-morbidities, especially those living with cancer or with other diseases that weaken their immune system; and those who are unvaccinated for COVID. Your kindness and consideration of others wearing masks is greatly appreciated.
2. People who are sick, or who have flu-like symptoms, are to be asked to not attend services that day and/or get tested for COVID before attending church. We continue to encourage the faithful to receive the COVID vaccine, which has proven to be the best protection against severe disease.
3. Older clergy should continue to take special precautions, including wearing masks.
4. Clergy visiting hospitals and nursing homes are still required to wear masks.
5. Parishes may resume gatherings of all sizes in parish halls, including sit down meals.
6. As the weather grows warmer in most parts of our Diocese, parishes will do well to plan outdoor activities and to keep windows open in the sanctuaries as much as possible to allow fresh outside air.
7. It is recommended that the celebrant of the Divine Liturgy continue to use a mask during the time when the chalice is on the altar through the administration of Holy Communion. Attention to special hygienic practices implemented during the pandemic shall continue to be followed during the administration of Holy Communion. The option of receiving Communion in the hand remains.
8. Such pietistic practices as passing the Kiss of Peace, and kissing the cross and gospel, are fully restored.
9. In keeping with our general policy throughout the pandemic, parishes should of course continue to follow guidelines issued by their local civil and health authorities. Attention should be given to local infection rates and rates of hospitalization. Our policy has always been to give the clergy and parish councils the freedom to continue maintaining precautions as they see fit, for the well-being of their parishioners.
10. Lastly, we hope and pray that the worst of this pandemic is now behind us. Ungal, getso, yev voghormya.
March 9, 2022
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