We are now all aware of the Coronavirus that is effecting communities globally. Our prayer is for the well being and good continued health of our Annunciation family and all Orthodox Christians and that we be strengthened by God's continual care for us, yet vigilant and careful in these uncertain times. We also pray for those who are afflicted and in need of care.

May Christ fortify us all during this difficult time!

Panteleimon the Great Martyr and Healer at right
The safety of our parishioners is a top priority of our Church. As a reminder, we ask all parishioners to familiarize themselves with and observe the guidelines issued by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and the Most Reverend Members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America issued to the Clergy and Laity of the Archdiocese to face the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), as set at the link to the CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ENCYCLICAL
Your Visit to Church During This Pandemic
Directives to be followed by the Clergy dealing with Covid-19 (Coronavirus), until further notice, based on the instructions of the US Center for Disease Control (CDC)
1) All parishes will provide stations in the Narthex and/or Nave for the Faithful to disinfect their hands as they enter the Church.
2) Signs will be posted at the entrance that recommend sick persons not attend the Services, but participate via television or the Internet (URL should be posted as well)
3) The clergy will not offer their hands to be reverenced and will refrain from touching the faithful either through handshakes or an embrace.
4) Signs will be posted recommending that honor be shown to Icons and the blessing cross by only bowing.
5) No books – Liturgical or Scriptural, will be kept in the pews. Parishioners will be instructed to bring their own books from home.
6) The Faithful will not receive the Antidoron from the Clergy, but on their own as they leave the church.
7) In the case of the use of flowers (Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, Palm Sunday, Holy Friday), the Faithful will take them on their own as they leave the church. On Holy Wednesday (Holy Unction), each priest will anoint each Faithful using separate cotton-tipped swabs.
8) The Eucharist will be distributed as per usual.
9) In concelebrations, the clerical “Kiss of Peace” will be through bowing to one another. In parishes where the laity exchange the “Kiss of Peace,” they will avoid contact through bowing to one another.
10) After every service, all liturgical objects and surfaces to be thoroughly cleaned.
Additional Information
Additional information, resources, and updates about the Coronavirus can be found from a number of sources. Please click on any link below to obtain additional information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  www.cdc.gov
New York State Department of Health,  www.health.ny.gov
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene,  www.nyc.gov/coronavirus
For the Latest Information in Greek see: