Special Joint Statement on Celebration of the Holy Week of Pascha and the Glorious Feast of the Resurrection for the Year 2020

"But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed"  Isaiah 53:5

Dear beloved congregations of the churches of the Archdiocese of North America in New Jersey and the Diocese of New York & New England,

Grace and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ to each and every one of you. We continue to pray for your safety and well-being and for the steadfastness of your faith during this difficult time.

In our continuing efforts to assess the unfolding circumstances of these unprecedented times, and after more than 30 collective hours, including joint clergy deliberations and consultations with medical and legal professionals, His Grace Bishop David, in unison with all the Fathers of the Archdiocese and Diocese of New York and New England, hereby states the following.

Being mindful that:

− The number of those infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) is increasing day by day according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other official sources;

− The next few weeks are the most critical, as the number of those contracting infections is expected to reach peak levels according to medical experts;

− The virus is mostly transmitted by person to person contact, especially when in crowded areas and in close proximity to each other. As your spiritual fathers, our spiritual and moral responsibilities dictate that we must exercise caution for your well-being, and to avoid the further transmission of this virus;

− Federal guidelines, as well as many state and local laws, mandate the cancelation of any and all.....

Click here to download the special Joint Statement in (En & Ar)