Your First Visit
If you are new to Orthodoxy, our services are probably unlike anything you've ever experienced. Many of us come from Protestant backgrounds, so we know how you feel. To help prepare you for a typical service, we've put together a list of some of the things we do that may be unfamiliar to you.
We encourage you drop us a note to let us know when you are coming, and any additional questions you may have.
The Divine Liturgy
We typically encourage people to make their first visit on a Sunday morning, and our main Sunday service is the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, the liturgical service followed by all Orthodox Churches worldwide. Jesus prayed and taught in the Temple, his Father's house, and Temple services included formal liturgies composed of prayers that everyone prayed together. The Apostles and most of the very first Christians were Jews and were accustomed to praying this way in the Temple. We continue their practice of liturgical prayer in our services.
Just be present and enter into the joy of the Church at worship. We will never single you out or do anything to embarrass you. Feel free to go at your own pace, and ask any questions you want. You are welcome here!
How Should I Dress?
However you are dressed, we welcome you. For those wishing to follow our parish customs, semi-formal attire is appropriate: most commonly, men wear dress shirts with collars and slacks (no hats), and women wear skirts or dresses. Some women choose to veil, but this is not required.
What Can I Participate in?
In Orthodox worship, you will see a lot of activity: singing, praying, crossing ourselves, bowing, venerating icons, prostrating, etc. You are invited (but not required) to participate to the extent you are comfortable.
Holy Communion is the sacramental expression of our shared faith and unity in Christ. Therefore, only baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, and regular Confession may receive Holy Communion. We warmly invite everyone, Orthodox nor not, to receive the antidoron (blessed bread), which is offered to all at the dismissal of the service.
We generally stand for the services, but you are welcome to sit as needed.
Children in Worship
We welcome and encourage children to participate in the divine services. Their presence is a blessing to our parish family. If your child becomes restless or needs a break, please feel free to make use of the nursery and narthex and return to the service whenever you are ready.
Visitor Contact Card
We hope that every visitor can fill out a Contact Card, so that we can keep in touch with you. If you are looking for more information on the Orthodox Faith, or just have some questions, this is how we can reach out and assist you. Contact Cards are located in the narthex; just fill one out and drop it in the offering box.
Fellowship Meal
We invite you to stay after the service for our Fellowship Meal, a sit-down community lunch. Our members, and especially our clergy, are always excited to sit with visitors to get to know them and answer questions. The Fellowship Meal is provided by parish members, so no need to bring anything. It is free and open to all!
Inquirers Class: The Next Step
If you have visited, and now are looking for more, what next? The answer is: the Inquirers Class. This class meets at the church every Wednesday evening, following the brief "evening" service of Vespers at 7:00pm. Led by Fr. Stephen, the Inquirers Class is a relaxed hour of study, discussion and open questions. There is no sign-up, and the class runs continually throughout the year, so new inquirers are able to join at any time.
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For Orthodox Christian Guests
If possible, please contact Fr. Stephen to let him know that you plan to visit, including your home parish and priest. In the Liturgy, please follow the guidance of our ushers during Holy Communion. Those seated along the side or back walls may join the nearest line as directed. Thank you for helping us maintain an orderly and prayerful flow.
