Archdiocese Closes All Churches Until 1 April
To all the Reverend Clergy, Monastics and Faithful of our Archdiocese of Canada My beloved Fathers, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
For days we have been monitoring this crisis. Last night the Holy Synod assembled in teleconference to hear the advice of medical and legal counsels.
This is by far the most difficult decision I will probably have to make in my life. Considering that this COVID-19 virus has now begun to transmit within the community, it is essential that we abide strictly with the guidelines of our Civil and Medical authorities.
I realize that the Holy Eucharist will not harm anyone of us, but congregating in closed quarters could, therefore, I ask all our clergy to close the churches of the Archdiocese of Canada for the next two weeks, until April 1st, 2020. The situation will be reviewed then.
I ask you all to be safe and remain at home as much as possible. Clergy of the Archdiocese will do their best to accompany the faithful and keep them safe. Prayer is essential to our life. Remember to pray to the Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers of Christ for help and strength in these difficult times.
Asking your prayers, in Christ our Saviour,
+AB IRÉNÉE
Archevêque d’Ottawa et du Canada (ÉOA)
Archbishop of Ottawa and Canada (OCA)
and the Archdiocese of Canada