With the growing concern regarding Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), below are resources, preventative information, communication updates and important links.
To learn more about the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and its symptoms, prevention & treatment, testing, and more, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Church Communications
August 27, 2020: Saint Athanasios Town Hall
June 4, 2020: Reopening Announcement
March 22, 2020: Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Media Statement
March 18, 2020: A Pastoral Message to the Faithful From Metropolitan Nathanael
March 16, 2020: Virtual Town Hall
March 14, 2020: Update to the Faithful Concerning COVID-19 and Liturgical Services
Liturgical & Worship Resources
Greek Orthodox Archdocise of America’s Live Internet Broadcast of Church Services
Daily Liturgical Service Texts
A Prayer in Light of the Coronavirus Pandemic
Public Health Links
City of Aurora Public Health Updates
Illinois Department of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
FAQs
Note that the Church will only post FAQs related to our Metropolis, parish, and ministry, and will direct all medical and health related questions to the resources posted above.
Question: Will St. Athanasios have services, and what are the rules for attendance?
Answer: As of early June St. Athanasios received its Level 3 approval from the metropolis of Chicago and is able to celebrate services at 25% capacity. Up to 80 individuals (including clergy, chanters, and ushers) may attend each service, and all attendees are required to sign up in advance either through the parish SignUpGenius or by calling the parish office (630) 851-6106.
Question: What are the safety precautions at Services?
Answer: Everyone attending services (aged 2 and above) is required to wear a mask at all times, and to answer basic health screening questions before entering the Church. In the Church, families are seated socially distanced at least 6 feet apart. Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the Church as well.
Question: Is Holy Communion being distributed, and if so in what fashion?
Answer: Holy Communion is being distributed at each Divine Liturgy in the traditional Orthodox fashion.
Question: Are ministries able to resume in person, and if so what will they look like?
Answer: We are able to host limited in person non-liturgical ministries at the moment. Each in person event is limited to a maximum of 30 individuals and will utilize all health and safety protocols of the Metropolis of Chicago (Masks, social distancing, regular sanitization). Some ministries such as Bible Study and Sunday School will be conducted virtually.
Question: How can I get in touch with Fr. Panagiotis for a pastoral/emergency situation?
Answer: Fr. Panagiotis’ pastoral phone number is 630-423-6365. Please use that number.
Most importantly, if any of our elderly or at risk parishioners cannot leave their homes and are in need of groceries, medications, or home supplies, please contact Fr. Panagiotis on his pastoral number 630-423-6365 and he will arrange for those items to be purchased and delivered.
