Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Χριστός Ανέστη! Christ is Risen!

By now you are aware of the updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The CDC has stated that people in the United States who have been fully vaccinated can resume pre-pandemic activities, indoors and outside, without wearing a mask and with no social distancing, except where required by local guidelines or business restrictions.

While this is encouraging news to hear that we are closer to returning to our customary worship experience, the Metropolis continues to review all pertinent guidelines and will provide further support and guidance to our clergy and faithful in the near future. Because we span seven states with various guidelines at city, county and state levels, navigating the many directives is challenging.

Therefore, the parishes of this Metropolis will continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines of their state and local authorities, and adhere to the present Metropolis guidelines which include the wearing of masks for all services regardless of vaccination status, the continuation of social distancing, and hand sanitizing.

We are grateful for continuing to care for your brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for your patience, support and love of one another as we look forward to the day we can embrace as true children of God.

As we celebrate this joyful season of Pascha, let us call to mind these words of Saint Paul and heed them in our daily lives, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

With Love in the Risen Lord,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco