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Divine Liturgy for this Wednesday 4/6/2022 has been canceled

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One God, Amen
The peace and love of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all.
Thank God and by all of your prayers, I am feeling much better but not yet able to pray tomorrow. The Divine Liturgy for Wednesday 4/6/2022 has been canceled.
Thank you all for your care in praying and asking about me. Please continue to pray for me.  May God bless and reward your beautiful hearts. 
God willing Alhan class service will resume this Friday at 7 and 7:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday Divine Liturgy will be held as scheduled at 8 am.
I am really looking forward to seeing you all again.  Please continue to pray for my weakness.
Please be aware that the Divine Liturgy for this Wednesday 4/6/2022 has been canceled.
Please share this information with others.
Be safe in the Lord.

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It has been a long road for us, but March Goodness is here!

In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One God, Amen
The peace and love of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all. 
It truly has been a long road and we have all been through some real difficult ups and downs during the last two years.  COVID has been a plague that took many of our loved ones and a lot of our freedom and for some it also took the ability to provide for our families and our jobs. It has made us afraid to connect with one another and to be around other family members and friends. There is no doubt that each of us has been impacted in a different way but we have all suffered together from this terrible virus. 

I am sure that we have all learned a lot and grew in many positive ways. 

By the grace of God, over the past few months, we have seen the number of cases in NJ decrease and the rate of transmission slow down. This is a great sign that we have been doing our part and that we are approaching the end of this pandemic. 
I am really happy to say that we can now begin to go mask optional in the church during all church services. This means that each individual can decide what is best for them and what makes them comfortable. Of course, if you would like to wear your mask, you can still wear it but there is no restriction on masks. If you have any concerns, please feel free to speak to me and we can work together to reach the appropriate comfort level.
As of Wednesday March 23 the mask requirement is being lifted. 
Please note (as always) that if you are experiencing any symptoms, please stay home. 
May the Lord reward you all for your patience and your cooperation during the past 2 years which I really appreciate. May God continue to protect His children and His church. 
God bless you and be safe in the Lord. 

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Youth Bishopric Spiritiual Day Saturday 4/2/2022 for Graduates and Young Professionals

Under the auspices of H.H. Pope Tawadros II and the Coptic American Canadian Youth Bishopric (C.A.C.Y.B) Welcomes all graduates & young professionals to it’s Spiritual day
Topic: “Where is your brother” Very Rev. Fr. Ishak Mansour Very Rev. Fr. Antonious Takla
Saturday April 2, 2022 from 8 AM to 6 PM
Location: Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church 7 Church Rd, Howell Township, NJ 07731
Registration fee: Early bird: $25 (by 3/20/2022) Regular Registration: $35 (after 3/20/2022)
For registration and more information please visit:
https://www.wayouthbishopric.com/wayb/event/spiritual-daywhere-is-your-brother

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Youth Bishopric Canada Retreat 6/17/22 – 6/20/22

Under the auspices of H.H. Pope Tawadros II and the Coptic American Canadian Youth Bishopric (C.A.C.Y.B)Welcomes all graduates & young professionals to it’s Summer Retreat
Friday, June 17th, 2022 (3PM) to Monday, June 20th, 2022 (1PM)
Location:The Valley of The Mother of God Christian Retreat Center 953376 7 Line E, Orangeville, ON L9W 272, Canada
Registration fees: (4 days, accommodation & meals included)
(One day Trip to Niagara Falls, activities are optional).
Early Bird: $ 260 per person (double occupancy room) (by April 23rd, 2022)
Regular Registration: $290 per person (double occupancy room) (after April 23rd, 2022)
For registration & more information please visit:https://www.wayouthbishopric.com/wayb/event/summer-retreat22

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Feast of Nativity, Liturgies and Sunday School Services

Happy & Blessed Feast of Nativity
Based on our last clergy meeting (1/4/2022) and the guidance from His Grace Anba David, here are the following changes:1. Everyone must wear a surgical mask (cloth masks are not sufficient) upon entry into the church (this includes the social hall and Sunday School classes)2. Sunday School may resume in-person, and everyone must wear their masks at all times.3. Names of individuals must be obtained upon entry in the church (and Sunday School). There will be a form that you must fill out prior to entering any church service in order for us to know who needs to be contacted, God forbid, there is someone who tests positive.4. There are to be no gatherings of any kind and the celebrations for the feasts are to be canceled.5. Social distancing is highly recommended (distance yourself and your family from others as much as possible since this Omicron variant is highly contagious).
His Grace Anba David and the clergy also recommend wearing double masks when you enter any in-door gathering.
As always, if anyone feels sick or has any symptoms or any family member has any symptoms (even if you think it is a cold) please stay home. Also, if anyone comes in contact with anyone who is sick, please get tested and ensure you have your “negative” result before attending any church service. 
God willing, Sunday School, all youth/grad/fellowship meetings, Alhan and Bible Studies will resume starting on Sunday 1/16/2022.
NOTES: For deacons: since there isn’t enough space for all the deacons to stand in the front, it is fine to vest and stand next to your family. Also, as you proceed to take communion, when you remove your mask, refrain from singing. 

Thank you for your cooperation and help during these difficult times. I am sure that God is protecting His children and the He will see us through this. “We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” (Psalm 66:12)I am looking forward to celebrating with you all. God willing this year will be full of all of God’s blessings. May the blessing of His birth touch every heart, heal every wound, comfort any mourning and bring peace, love and joy to all our hearts.