Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Following a conference call with the bishops of Ohio, and in line with what is being done in other Eastern Catholic eparchies in the United States, I am extending the period during which all liturgical services and all other parish gatherings are suspended in our parishes and missions through May 3, 2020.
Likewise, the obligation to attend the liturgy on Sundays and Holy Days is also dispensed for that period. Previous instructions remain in force, and the suspension period may be extended after that date, depending on circumstances. I ask all pastors and administrators to get in touch with me to get permission to hold funeral services in the church if it becomes necessary, and to keep me informed of any cases of COVID-19 in their parishes. So far, thanks be to God, I have heard of none.
As we continue through what for the majority of us is the Great Week of the Lord’s Passion, let us pray for the passion of the world during this pandemic, and offer our own fears and suffering to be joined with the Lord’s for an end to this terrible pandemic and for the salvation of the human race.
Stay well and strong!