Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,
Following the Parish Council meeting last night, here is further information for all the events of the funeral of Fr. George.
Parking:  Due to the large crowds expected, please be prepared to park in the following areas since our lot will fill up quickly:

  • Along 3rd Street & other residential streets
  • Garage of Atria (along the side of the Greek Cultural Center)
  • Lower Lot of the Tully Center (such as during our Festival)

Health & Safety

  • In view of the large crowds expected today and tomorrow, The Parish Council sincerely recommends that everyone wear a mask in church. 
  • All pews will be opened so that social distancing will be impossible.  Plenty of masks are available at church.
  • The entire balcony will also be available since the choir will not be singing.

Ushers

  • Our own Council members  will assist the funeral directors to help with handing out masks, offering directions, and answering questions.

Memorial Gifts:

  • Envelopes will be available at the Candle Stand (Pangari) for making an offering
  • All contributions for the newly established “Fr. George Poulos Ionian Village Scholarship Fund” should be made out to Archangels Church, with “IV Scholarship” in the Memo line

Live-streaming through our Facebook Page (with a convenient link on our Web Site)

  • For Trisagion, Liturgy and the Funeral, with projection in the Hall on a large screen for potential overflow of people who cannot find a comfortable place in church.

Today, Wednesday:

  • Anointing & Vesting of Fr. George at the funeral home by the clergy is not open to the public
  • During the Public Viewing from 4-8pmin church, the book of Psalms will be continually read to maintain an atmosphere of reverence and prayer.
  • We ask that everyone respect this distinct tone and reserve more lively conversation for the Hall which will be open for light refreshments – coffee, tea, water, biscotti.
  • Memorabilia of the extraordinary life and ministry of Fr. George will be in the Display Case near the rear entrance and in the Foyer (possibly also the Narthex)
  • Following the Trisagion at 7pm, Tom Moulketis will play the organ to conclude the evening.

Tomorrow, Thursday

  • Police Officers will be on site to assist with traffic flow
  • Divine Liturgy will begin at 9am and conclude by 10:15am in order to allow a short break before the Funeral that begins at 10:30am
  • His Eminence, Archbishop Elpidophoros will lead the service, with many clergy expected to come.
  • Funeral booklets will be available for everyone to use in order to follow with greater understanding; an insert will provide a few alternate hymns that may be sung, along with these additions for a priest:  two hymns, as well as a special prayer by the Archbishop.
  • Far more time for the Funeral will be needed due to the number of people who will pass in review before the final anointing
  • Police will escort us to Woodland Cemetery for the brief Rite of Interment
  • Makaria in the Church Hall – everyone is invited; please note that we have prepared for 250 people. 
  • Microphone will be open after the meal is served for offering testimonials about Fr. George.

We are most grateful for the widespread cooperation to put all of this together in just a few days.
The Parish Council welcomes your presence, prayer, and support as we mourn the passing of our beloved Fr. George and celebrate his life as a church family.
With love in the Risen Lord,
Fr. Harry