Virtual Sunday School Program: A Lenten Journey to Great and Holy Pascha

As we continue through this unique period of the pandemic, we continue to look for opportunities to adapt our youth ministry programs to the current conditions. It is important, as ever, for our families to remain connected to the life of the Church. Many of our families have been missing the consistency and educational opportunity of Sunday School, but we are please to announce that there is a wonderful opportunity our community has been invited to participate in:

“A Lenten Journey to Great and Holy Pascha” is an 11-week virtual youth Religious Education program created by the Orthodox Youth Mentorship Program of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Camarillo (under the direction of Father Gary Kyriacou) and sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco.  

All students in the San Francisco metropolis, grades Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade, may sign up to participate.  This program will cover key themes of the liturgical cycle beginning with the Triodion, continuing into Great Lent, through Holy Week and concluding with Holy Pascha.  A team of volunteer teachers will engage students with lessons, activities, and service projects. 

This program will take place live via Zoom.  High school and college students will participate as mentors and activity leaders.  

The program dates are February 21st through Friday, April 30th.  Virtual classes will meet each Sunday at 12:30 for approximately one hour (slightly less for younger students). The final meeting will take place on Great and Holy Friday (April 30th).   

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.  The registration deadline is Friday, February 5.
Please contact Program Coordinator Maria Tangalos with any questions: mariatangalos@gmail.com

Ascension Cathedral Reopens for Indoor Services

Great news! We are excited to announce the re-reopening of the Cathedral!!!  In accordance with the most recent Alameda County update from last week, we can once again assemble for worship in the Cathedral with a limited capacity. We will continue with our reservation process which is now open for this Sunday, November 1st.

Please make sure to reserve a spot each week before attending via the instructions below. To comply with county guidelines we are limiting attendance to 80 parishioners, practicing social distancing, and wearing face coverings. 

To attend you must reserve your spot using the following link: Reserve your spot for this Sunday Once you fill out the form, you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered.  We are also accepting phone call reservations at 510-531-3400, however we encourage you to use the reservation form. Please make your reservations by 4:00 pm Thursday, October 29th. 

Your health and safety as well as your spiritual health is our top priority, all the steps we are taking are in consideration of your well being.  If you are not feeling well or have health conditions that make you more vulnerable, we ask you to continue to enjoy services from home via the live streaming. 

Please click the link for more information about what to expect on Sunday as well as the list of questions you will be asked when you come.
 

Reopening for Outdoor Services Sunday, September 13th

Dear Ascension Community,
 
As you are aware the Cathedral remains closed for services by order of the State of California and Alameda County. However, churches are permitted to offer services outdoors. Starting this Sunday, September 13th, an outdoor Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10am.
 
To comply with county guidelines we are limiting attendance to 80 parishioners, practicing social distancing, and wearing face coverings. Also, as per the Metropolitan’s request, attendance is reserved for our Ascension parishioners only. This number does not include clergy, cantor and ushers. To attend you must reserve your spot using the following link: Reserve your spot for Sunday.

Once you fill out the form, you will receive an email confirmation that you are registered.  We are also accepting phone call reservations at 510-531-3400, however we encourage you to use the reservation form. Please make your reservations by 4:00 pm Friday, September 11th. 
 
Your health and safety as well as your spiritual health is our top priority, all the steps we are taking are in consideration of your well being.  If you are not feeling well or have health conditions that make you more vulnerable, we ask you to continue to enjoy services from home via the live streaming (Matins 8am, Divine Liturgy 9:30am). 
 
We ask for your patience during this time and encourage you to take a moment and review the details of attending in the attachment.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Please read the Ascension Guidelines below for more information about what to expect on Sunday as well as the list of questions you will be asked when you arrive. 

Just a reminder - You will need a confirmed reservation to attend Sunday services.  The campus is still currently closed at all other times and we are not allowing public access to our grounds or buildings.
 
We will continue to update you as information and guidance becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding at this time and look forward to seeing each of you soon!