Reinforcement of COVID-19 Distancing Procedures

April 22, 2020

To the Reverend Clergy and Monastics,
The esteemed Parish Council Presidents & members of the Metropolis of Atlanta:

My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

Χριστός ἀ νέστη! Ἀ ληθ ῶ ς ἀ νέστη!
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Having been found worthy to once again witness our Lord’s life-giving Resurrection, I pray that you and your families are healthy and safe during this holy season.

On this Bright Wednesday, I come with important updates about our Metropolis of Atlanta’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols. Firstly, to both our Clergy and Laity, please accept my sincere congratulations for your devotion to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and for your continued patience.

Presently, several governors of states in our Metropolis have sought to provide instructions concerning the possible reopening of businesses, including religious institutions. For example, in his directive for the state of Georgia, while Governor Brian Kemp has allowed churches to re-open, this has been done on the condition that religious leaders use their own discretion–and that all places of worship continue to observe rules of social distancing, if they chose to open their doors.

While I understand the desire to join together in the light of our Lord’s Resurrection, as your Hierarch, I ask that our parishes continue offering live-streaming services to the faithful in their homes. My hope is that, in keeping ourselves from rushing to reopen, we continue to protect our families, and our wider communities. We have already seen examples of public spaces opening in the Southeast, even as more cases continue to be reported.

Please know that in these uncertain and difficult times, we are all being asked to make the sacrifices of working from home and sheltering in place, so that we may honor the health and lives of our friends, families and neighbors. Though I too look forward to the day when we may join together in our sanctuaries, by worshiping inside our homes, we are honoring our Lord’s Commandment, not only to love your God, but also, “…your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31). I remain,

Paternally yours with love in the Risen Lord,

+ A L E X I O S
Metropolitan of Atlanta

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