Dear Parishioners,
We hope that you are well as we prepare to welcome the new year. In light of the sudden and serious surge in Covid-19 cases due to the Omicron variant, which is expected to continue throughout the coming weeks, we have decided to make some changes to upcoming church services and events until the surge subsides.
These updates are based on the directive of Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese (which can be read in its entirety here) as well as the specific situation and public health directives here in Massachusetts. Our focus is the safety and well-being of our parish family and community.
THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 2:All church services are CANCELED for this Sunday, January 2. The church sanctuary will be open from 10 am to 1 pm for candle lighting and for prayers. Masks continue to be required.
ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS SERVICES JANUARY 5 AND 6: All church services are CANCELED for January 5 and January 6. The Armenian Christmas celebration and Blessing of Water will be moved to Sunday, January 9. We encourage faithful to tune in to the livestream from St. Vartan Cathedral on January 6, as Primate Bishop Daniel celebrates badarak. The services will be broadcast on Facebook and the Eastern Diocese’s YouTube platform.
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 | DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF WATER SERVICE: Divine Liturgy is currently scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 9 at 10 am with the traditional Blessing of Water Service immediately following. Masks will continue to be required. There will be no fellowship hour due to safety concerns.
Tuesday Night Bingo: Tuesday Night Bingo is canceled for the month of January.
Church Events: Men's Club on January 3rd and Hye Cafe on January 14th have been canceled.
Church Schools: Our church schools will postpone re-opening by one week. St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian School will resume on Saturday, January 15 and Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 16.
Church Office: The Church Office remains open from 10 am - 4 pm, however we encourage parishioners to submit requests by phone at at 617-923-8860 or e-mail info@sthagop.com rather than visiting in person, if possible. Please note, the Church offices will be closed on Friday, December 31st in observance of the New Year holiday.
It is our hope that these adjustments will only be temporary, and that we will be able to return to in person gatherings again soon.
We wish all of our parishioners and friends a Happy New Year. May we all begin this new year with a renewed sense of hope in the future, peace, and grace. May 2022 be a year of healing for us all. We pray that God grant good health and happiness for you and your loved ones, comfort to those who are struggling, and lasting peace for our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and Armenia, our country, and the entire world.
