Dear Parishioners,

Despite the distance between us, during these past few months, it’s been a real blessing to see how our beloved Saint Sophia community has managed to express their deep and sincere care and Love for one another and remain so very close and connected, all the while, longing for the day when we can, together as family, return to the Cathedral.

During the past couple of weeks there has been various messages, reported in the media, that has heightened our anticipation, though much of that messaging reported news related to areas outside of Los Angeles. Finally, on May 26th, LA County and the City of Los Angeles announced that Churches will be able to reopen their doors to their congregations, though under strict guidelines and regulations from the health department.

Saint Sophia, intending to comply with guidelines as set forth by the State of California, LA County, the City of LA, as well as the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, is grateful for the opportunity to reopen our doors beginning Sunday, May 31, 2020. The Huffington Center will remain closed.

We all recognize that there are still difficult days ahead of us and much to be concerned about, which is why we appreciate the patience, understanding and committed efforts of our entire community, to insure that each of us is made to feel safe, healthy and comfortable during this transitional period as we gradually reopen the Cathedral. During the initial phase of the Cathedral’s reopening, like much of our society, that which we were once familiar with will be noticeably different.

We will continue to LiveStream the services on our Saint Sophia Facebook page. You do not need to have a Facebook account to watch it online.

The following guidelines and regulations, that we must comply with, are for the health and safety of all. Thank you.

• Upon arrival at Saint Sophia, everyone must check in before entering the Cathedral, by providing their name and phone number at a welcoming table.
• Face masks are required. (No masks for children under the age of 2 and parental supervision required for children 3-8)
• The LA County, Department of Health has limited our attendance in the Cathedral to no more than 100 people.
• Be assured, the Cathedral and public restrooms have been sanitized before reopening and will be sanitized after every service.
• Anyone who is sick, has been sick or has been around someone who has been sick or who has traveled outside of the state during the past 2 weeks, as well as anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or who have family members who are ill, should stay home.
• The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has emphasized that “Parishioners who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (65 years or older, who have underlying medical conditions, been exposed to the virus or who are experiencing symptoms) are strongly encouraged to refrain from attending services.
• Congregants/visitors will be temperature screened, with non-contact (without touching) thermometers upon arrival as we are required to conduct these non-contact temperature checks by the Health Department.
• We must, respectfully, maintain physical, social, distancing of six feet or more between congregants/visitors from different households when standing or seated in the Cathedral.
• When receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion we ask that you tilt your head back and not place your lips on the communion spoon.
• Saint Sophia will have hand sanitizer available to use upon arrival and throughout your visit.

As we’ve all noticed, the information that we receive from the health department and government jurisdictions changes quickly and often. The Saint Sophia Parish Council will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates to you as they become available. To be sure that we are reaching as many members of our community as possible, please be sure to share this information with one another.

Thank you for your Love, support and continued prayers,

Father John S. Bakas, Dean of Saint Sophia

Christina Hanna, Parish Health Officer 

Dean Peratsakis, Parish Council President