« Rules for visiting the Dormition Cathedral to participate in the Sacrament of Baptism during the period of government quarantine measures to combat coronavirus »
01-10-2020 Rules for visiting the Dormition Cathedral to participate
in the Sacrament of Baptism during the period of government quarantine measures to combat coronavirus
Update from June 4, 2021
Dear brothers and sisters!
According to the requirements of the UK Government to ensure safety during the coronavirus epidemic, when visiting the Dormition Cathedral to participate in the Sacrament of Baptism from October 1st, 2020, the following rules must be taken into account.
1. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated individually, on Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm.
2. According to the Government guidance and the current church rules, only those parishioners without symptoms of coronavirus and colds.
3. It is strictly necessary to wear a protective mask in the church (except for children 0-11 years old and people with official medical permits from the NHS).
4. Parents and godparents, close relatives living together may be present at the time of the Baptism in the church.
5. If among those present there are people living outside the same family, then they must observe a mandatory safe distance of 2 (two) metres from each other.
6. Parents are responsible for the behavior of their children in the church.
7. In the church, it is allowed to light candles on the candlesticks before the icons, but it is strictly forbidden to kiss the icons or touch them with your hands. You should approach candlesticks one at a time, continuing to maintain a distance of 2 m from others.
8. Women should not come to church in trousers, short skirts, sleeveless sweaters and blouses (with open arms). The woman's head should be covered with a handkerchief, headscarf or scarf. Men must remove their headdress before entering the church. You cannot appear in church in T-shirts, shorts, sports and unkempt clothes.
9. Godparents must be baptized, of the Orthodox faith. At the Sacrament of Baptism, the godparents read aloud the Orthodox Symbol of Faith, the Creed (permissible in their native language).
10. The Sacrament of Baptism is currently performed without being completely immersed in the font.
11. Parents or godparents should prepare the following items for the Baptism: a body cross on a string or chain, an icon of the heavenly patron (if possible), a baptismal shirt (can be purchased in a church store), two new towels of sufficient size to wipe the head, and candles for the fonte (can be purchased in the church).
12. Following the above requirements, participation in the Sacrament of Baptism is possible only by appointment. Registration can be done by email cathedralregister@gmail.com or by calling 07793-055-388, Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 3pm. To participate in the Baptism, your consent to the established rules is required. A relevant form will be sent to you in a response letter.
13. Confirmation of the application for participation in the Sacrament of Baptism will be sent in a separate letter. The completed online form is invalid without confirmation.
14. After the Sacrament of Baptism, a certificate will be issued in English.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. We hope that these restrictions will cease to be necessary and we will soon be able to return to the usual course of our church life.
If you have any signs of possible coronavirus infection or signs of flue and cold, please stay home!
Before visiting the Cathedral, please read the Government's guidance for the safe use of places of worship.
Administration of the Dormition Cathedral in London