The Government has now issued guidance about the possibility of churches and other places of worship opening for services from 4 July onwards. Some of that guidance, if followed strictly, would make it extremely difficult for Orthodox services to take place. We understand that our Archbishop will shortly issue directions about how the Government guidance should be applied in the churches of our Archdiocese.

Our Parish Committee will be meeting over the course of the coming weekend to consider the Government guidance, together with any further directions from our Archbishop, before making a decision about opening the Church of the Ascension for worship. We will announce the outcome of our discussions as soon as we are able to do so.

Until then, our church will continue to be open on Saturdays between 10 am and 4 pm to allow people to visit the church in order to pray, to light candles, to reverence the Holy Icons, or simply to be still in God’s presence. We will also continue to make available the Order for Reader’s Typika (Обедница) for each Sunday and major Feast Day, so that all who wish to do so can pray the service together in their own homes.

We all want to see our church open again, and we hope and pray that we will be able to meet again soon! Until that day comes, may God give us all courage, strength, hope, and perseverance to carry on our journey through these difficult times.

May God bless you

Father Kosmas