Summer Greetings Parishioners,

It's hard to imagine that we are deep into summer but here we are! I wanted to reach out to let you know that despite the on-going pandemic, St. Dimitrie is going strong! It's a testament to our faith and dedicated community that we can report that there are many positive things happening.

• There was an outpouring of support for our Crisis Angels Appeal that was sent out in May. God provided generously through you, His faithful followers, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support during these difficult times when services, festivals, and celebrations have been canceled. Donations for the appeal are still being accepted through the summer and additional donations will be added to prior donations for those who want to contribute further.
  
  
• After months of being able to only participate in church services from our computers, St. Dimitrie recently opened its doors to a growing number of parishioners. With extra precautions in place, we have not only been able to return to church but also to begin receiving Communion as well. How wonderful it feels to receive the body and blood of our Lord and Savior after these dry months! Thank you to those people who are helping to make our church safe for all of us to return each week!
  
  
• Unfortunately, in the current climate of important safety protocols for our own people as well as visitors, we have decided that we are unable to host September's Fall Festival. With God's help, we will be able to move through this situation and look forward to a joyful festival in 2021. We do expect to have our raffle sometime this fall so stay tuned for details.

As we continue to pray and look for guidance, let us not forget that whatever inconveniences we may suffer through the loss of personal freedoms and added complications, these efforts demonstrate respect for the leaders God has appointed and contribute to the health and safety of the people we love–let that inspire us and move us forward with hope, humility, and mercy.

Respectfully,

Van Kolton St. Dimitrie Parish Council President

You will be required to adhere to the following CDC Directives: 

1. Everyone must wear a face mask. Please bring one from home.

2. Your temperature will be taken with a thermal thermometer as you enter. Anyone displaying a fever will not be permitted to enter.

3. You will be required to use hand sanitizer (made available in the vestibule).

4. You will have to sign in–name and phone number–for our records in order to do tracking just in case, God forbid, someone contracts the virus. 
   
   By signing in each week, you are agreeing to what is stated in the document “COVID-19 Sign-in Sheet” which is attached to this email (in English and Romanian). These notices will also be posted at church.

5. You will be allowed to sit in the open pews keeping the proper distance (6 feet or 2 meters) between each other unless you live together. Alternate rows will be taped off.

6. . HOLY COMMUNION - When you approach the chalice, you will be given a napkin to hold under your chin and I will use a new, disposable spoon for each person who receives the body and blood of Christ.  

7. No handshakes or hugs (I’m sorry ‘cause I want to hug all of you). 

8. Icons, etc. should not be kissed, it would be fine to bow your head.

9. Unfortunately, there will be no Fellowship Hour in the Hall until further notice.

10. We will try to have doors open so that you don’t have to touch handles.

11. There will be no books in the pews so that you don’t have to worry about touching them.

12. The pews and all items will be disinfected after each service and multiple doors will be open after the service so that we can keep our distance while exiting. 

13. We may offer nafura (church bread) in the most sanitary manner possible. 

    I urge those of you who are among the more vulnerable to not rush back just yet and if you don’t feel safe, it’s alright to excuse yourself. We are in very careful times and we want everyone to be safe and to stay safe. I know that the Church should be the best and safest place to be, but we also have to be sensible. We don’t need to test the Lord and His care and love for us. 

    God bless us and protect us and keep us safe. 

    With love and concern for all of you, 

    Fr. George

Although we cannot enter our physical church, many parishioners have been expressing a desire to have candles lit and prayers said for them. 
Click the "Prayers and Virtual Candles" tab above (it will appear white when you mouse over it.)

1. Request Candles be lit
2. Submit Prayer Requests (confidential between you and Fr George)
3. Make Donations

For additional information click this link for a pdf outlining step by step instructions.

To know and experience the love of GOD –Father, Son and Holy Spirit; to worship Him in spirit and in truth as taught by the Lord through His Apostles; and to welcome and encourage others to know and love Him! 

Congratulations to all the graduates in our community. We wish you happiness and success in the future.

Special prayers go to our cantor, Justin Puzstay, son of Joe and Maria Puzstay, who graduated from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, Dr. Krystal Scinto, PharmD, daughter of Rich and Karen Scinto, who received her Ph. D. in Pharmacy and Nicholas Cannon, son of Kevin and Elaine Cannon.

Our own vegan chef extraordinaire, Linda Soper-Kolton offers her recipe blog to our community.  All her recipes are meat- and dairy-free.  You can even search for recipies by meal or specific ingredient. 

She also has written a vegan cookbook for the Catskill Sanctuary called "Compassionate Cuisine: The Cookbook" .  See her for information about purchasing a copy.

Linda - Thank you for your sharing your gifts with us

Did you know you can make donations, be a festival sponsor or pay your dues by credit card?

Click the Administration/Donation button in the upper left, then click  "Make a Donation" button and follow instructions

You can also go to www.stdimitrie.com

We accept PayPal, MasterCard, Visa and Discover

St. Dimitrie 's new icons are in the Pulse Section of Saturday's (8/31/13) CT Post!  See the article "Creative Gifts, Spirituality Shine in Icon Painter's Art"

http://www.ctpost.com/entertainment/article/Creative-gifts-spirituality-shine-in-icon-4769165.php