COVID-19 Ministries

As we continue to navigate this unprecedented time, we as a parish continue to think of ways we can build our community and help those in it during the time of the pandemic. We are seeking volunteers for the following three things:

Open Phone Lines

We are attempting to keep a schedule of multiple volunteers who can answer phone calls from church members who are feeling stressed and isolated during these uncertain times. Callers may be afraid, unable to leave their homes, or simply want to hear a friendly voice for a chat. To accomplish this goal, we have created a schedule of one hour shifts from 8am-10pm for which volunteers can sign up, and which is released through e-mail to parishioners. Volunteers attempt to leave the line open to answer these calls during their shift, which is scheduled for two consecutive weeks.

Errand Running

We are compiling a list of volunteers who would be willing to run errands for elderly, special needs, and homebound parishioners should the need arise. Volunteers are organized by neighborhood and connected with those closest to them for errands.

Errands could be things like:

• Picking up prescriptions

• Grocery or other shopping

• Mailing packages

• Taking a pet to the veterinarian

Please note that this will not involve visiting the parishioner, as we do not want to expose them to any illness, but running errands only.

Scheduled Phone Calls or Video Chats

We are looking for members who would be willing to volunteer for things such as:

• Calling the elderly or infirm, or those in the community who may be feeling afraid at this time, for a comforting chat that will help them maintain connection.

• Video chatting online with children to distract them while mom or dad take care of some household tasks or work, perhaps playing games with the children or helping them with homework. (This is a great opportunity for high schoolers to help out!)

• Keeping in touch with parishioners, either over the phone or online, who are feeling alone and isolated during this period. 

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Christine Kirchner at (512) 919-6810 or cee32@georgetown.edu.

All services canceled through April 1

Dear Parishioners,

All parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington are closed through April 1, 2020. Please, stay safe and protected, continue to pray at home, use online resources for spiritual education by the Orthodox Churches and make sure to check our cathedral’s website for updates. If you have any questions, please contact by email: office@stnicholasdc.org 

Resources for Coronavirus outbreak

New Ministry Volunteer Opportunity

Brothers and Sisters,

In this time of isolation and fear, as we are losing some of our daily human connection and seeing so many around us worry, let’s try to build something together for our community at St. Nicholas.

Some of our parishioners are – or likely will be, as this virus progresses – unable to leave their homes due to age, illness, or quarantine. Others are isolating with family members. We would like to connect people with these church members in this time of need through an over-the-phone or virtual ministry.

We are looking for members who would be willing to volunteer for things such as:

• Calling the elderly or infirm, or those in the community who may be feeling afraid at this time, for a comforting chat that will help them maintain connection.

• Video chatting online with children to distract them while mom or dad take care of some household tasks or work, perhaps playing games with the children or helping them with homework. (This is a great opportunity for high schoolers to help out!)

• Keeping in touch with parishioners, either over the phone or online, who are feeling alone and isolated during this period.

With technology, there are so many ways for us to stay virtually connected while in our own homes – we can even share meals together or watch a movie together from miles apart. Let’s use this technology to maintain the wonderful sense of togetherness that we share at St. Nicholas.

If you would like to volunteer or if you or anyone you know would like to receive a phone call, video chat, or other form of communication or assistance, please contact Christine Kirchner at (512) 919-6810 or cee32@georgetown.edu.

Services Cancelled This Weekend

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Last night a parishioner contacted the clergy to report the sudden development of flu/cold-like symptoms. 

The parishioner attended the Sunday liturgy on March 8 and Mr. Tolstoy’s funeral service on March 10. The parishioner was not able to get tested but following medical advice is under self-quarantine for the next 2 weeks and would like our community to be aware.

While there is no proof of COVID-19, out of an abundance of caution and deep love and care for our parishioners, we therefore, with the blessing of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, have decided, effective immediately, to suspend all services and activities this weekend and go into office telework mode.

If you are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical help immediately. Otherwise, please stay home, keep social distancing, avoid travel and public gatherings, and follow the CDC guidelines. We, at St. Nicholas, will monitor the situation and keep our community informed of the next step. We ask all parishioners to inform those who are not on this mailing list of these developments. 

Suspending all services and the Sunday Liturgy is one of the most difficult decisions that we have ever had to make. We never thought that we would reach the point of not having the liturgy at our beloved St. Nicholas, but Great Lent reminds us all of the sacrifices that we need to make in order to persevere and prevail and to continue to strengthen our faith regardless of the circumstances. It is our highest duty to safeguard you and your families and protect those who are weak and the most vulnerable. It is also our responsibility as community leaders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and avoid public gatherings. We ask for your understanding and support! 

The challenging times of today and tomorrow and the suspension of all services are going to be hard on every one of us, including our St. Nicholas Cathedral which relies solely on the generosity and help of our parishioners. Financial difficulties caused by today’s situation are unavoidable and will be felt. If you would like to give online to support the cathedral, please visit our website or send a check. 

We continue to pray for your good health and well-being and ask all of you to join us in our prayers and seek His guidance and protection during these difficult times. Please, stay safe and protected, continue to pray at home, use online resources for spiritual education, stream/“attend” online liturgies by the Orthodox Churches ‪on Sunday morning, and make sure to check our cathedral's website and Facebook page for updates.

Let us prevail through these challenges! 

With love in Christ,

Metropolitan Tikhon

Fr. George

Fr. Valery

Claire Nobles, President

Service Schedule Change for This Weekend

Dear Parishioners,

The service schedule for this weekend has been changed. Due to the state of emergency in the DMV area, services on Friday and Saturday are canceled. We will have a Single Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 15 at 9:00 AM.

Coffee hour is canceled, but our volunteers will have snacks for you to take home with you after the service.

Stay home if you feel sick or you are concerned about the risk of virus exposure.

Please, call those parishioners who are not internet users to inform them of the changes.

With love in Christ,

Fr. George, Fr. Valery

Claire Nobles, President