Updated COVID-19 Regulations for Physical Worship at
All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church

In keeping with advice from the CDC, and the local authorities, the following guidelines replace previous Covid rules.

1)        A mask should be worn by anyone distributing communion or assisting to distribute communion.

2)        Distribution of communion will continue using single-use spoons, either individual metal spoons that are sterilized, or spoons that can be burned.

3)        The people in the congregation are not required to wear a mask.  People are free to wear a mask for personal protection or as a courtesy to the vulnerable.

4)        People are still encouraged to practice safe distancing in the pews.

5)        No one should ask whether or not someone is vaccinated. 

 Dispensation from the obligation to attend Divine Liturgy

 1)        Keep in mind, the bishop cannot dispense from Divine Law.  The Ten Commandments require us to keep the Lord’s Day holy.  From the beginning, Christians have obeyed this commandment by attending the Eucharist on Sunday, the day of the Resurrection.  We are also required by Divine Law to refrain from work if possible and to avoid commerce if possible.

2)        The dispensation from attending the Divine Liturgy is revoked within the Eparchy of Passaic.  Watching a livestream does not fulfill the obligation to attend the Eucharist.

 3)        Just as before the pandemic, anyone is relieved of the obligation for a serious reason such as sickness, immobility, fear, caring for someone else, to protect your own health or the health of others.

Most Rev. Kurt Burnette
Bishop of Passaic
May 26, 2021