Hospital Visitations and Ministry

Father David makes every effort to visit parishioners during their hospital stay.  However, area hospitals generally do not inform the Parish of inpatients due to confidentiality restrictions.  Even if patients request notification to their pastors or parish, hospital volunteer staff often cannot do so in a timely manner.  Therefore, if you or someone you are aware of is in the hospital, please let us know as soon as possible.

It is also appropriate to inform the Parish Priest of a planned stay at the hospital.  One may request a visitation in advance, and this is common for those with planned surgeries. 

In addition to praying for one's comfort and healing, Father David is able to administer the sacraments of Holy Confession, Holy Unction (Efchelaion) and Holy Communion at the hospital or prior to a scheduled hospital procedure.

The Parish Priest cannot administer Holy Communion to those unable to swallow, those on intake-restrictions, and those unable to convey their own consent (unconscious, etc.).  Holy Unction is the normal alternative in such situations.

The Orthodox Christian tradition has no real custom of "last rites."  A person who is terminally ill may receive the sacraments, but there is certainly no sense that doing so at the final moments of life is somehow required--especially if sacramental participation has been ignored during healthy times.  On the other hand, repentance is always desired, even to the last breath.

For pastoral reasons, the Parish Priest may ask visitors present to leave the room temporarily in order to converse privately with patients, and this is particularly required if the sacrament of Holy Confession is to be adminsitered.

The Parish Priest cannot make medical decisions for patients or families, but can assist in the decision-making process when difficult choices must be made.  The Church does have certain guidelines in the most serious cases, but very few concrete rules.

The spiritual, physical and mental welfare of patients and their personal dignity is of the utmost importance in hospital ministry.

Finally, there are times when Father David is incapable of visiting all hospital patients in a timely manner.  In some cases, he must visit those in more critical condition as a priority.  In other cases, he is not available due to travel commitments.

In the event of an emergency and Father David is unavailable, parishioners are encouraged to contact the clergy of neighboring Orthodox Christian parishes or to call the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago.  They can arrange for a visitation if Father David is unavailable in an emergency.