Today, May 25, 2020, the Governor of the State of California, Gavin Newsome, has declared that churches and all houses of worship are now open.

The monasteries and parishes of the Western American Diocese within the State of California may enter into this new phase of reduced social distancing. However, all are required to observe the guidelines found in the document published by the California Department of Public Health and the State of California Department of Industrial Relations entitled COVID-19 Industry Guidance (dated May 25, 2020), while bearing in mind that local county regulations may supersede the published state requirements and our communities may be required to act according to the latter. Monasteries and parishes within the territory of the Western American Diocese, but located in other states may also open in accordance with their respective state and local ordinances.

Let us all remember that when we are visited by trial and tribulation we are to endure them with gratitude to God, as all trial comes from Him Who helps us understand our sins that cause the calamity around us.

Observe the ordinances of the civil authorities in this time of great sorrow – render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s (Mark 12:17).

+KYRILL
Archbishop of San Francisco and Western America