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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK – On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Holy Eparchial Synod convened via teleconference, in order to be informed and to discuss significant matters that affect the Archdiocese of America, and unanimously decided the following:
1. Following detailed presentations on the financial effects of the spread of coronavirus and taking into account the ongoing efforts to minimize expenses, the Hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod will offer 20% of their wages for the next three months towards the financial support of the Holy Archdiocese.
2. At the request of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Synod approved the sacred service of Holy Supplication (Paraklesis) for the protection, health and salvation of the people from the dangerous pandemic, which was recently compiled with by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Rhodes. Additionally, the Synod commissioned the V. Rev. Archimandrite Spyridon Kezios with the task to complete an English translation of the service. Consequently, it is decided that this sacred service will also be made available in a video format and posted on the internet for the spiritual benefit of the people.
3. It was decided to include the following two petitions in “The Litany of Peace” of the Divine Liturgy and the other sacred services:
“For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, and from the peril of the coronavirus against us, let us pray to the Lord.”
“For our brethren, those who lead the fight against the coronavirus, the doctors, the medical workers and the scientists, let us pray to the Lord.”
4. It was decided that the National Clergy-Laity Congress be postponed for one year, and that it will be rescheduled to a date and place to be announced in the near future.
FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARIAT OF THE HOLY EPARCHIAL SYNOD
