Is this your first time participating in our Worship Services?

First of all: Visitors are Always Welcome!
We are mindful of the Scripture, “Do not forget to greet strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly greeted angels” (Hebrews 13:2).

Relax: Don’t worry!
In welcoming you we know that some aspects of Orthodox worship might be different. Come in and take a seat. We are very careful never to judge anyone or their behavior!

Do not hesitate to ask!
We try to be quiet during the services so as to focus on our worship, but please do not hesitate to ask one of the faithful for help. They will be glad to bring you a Service Book (and help you find the current place in the service) and also to bring you a weekly bulletin.

Confused? Need assistance?
We will, of course, answer any immediate questions you may have. We might appear like we are ignoring you but this is not so – we are very aware of your presence and will not mind in the least if you ask us for assistance.

Join us for fellowship after the Sunday Service!
After Sunday services we have a fellowship hour, a time of food and drink together either inside the church or outside in the parking lot (weather permitting!). You are invited to join us so we can get to know each other. No one will ever put any pressure on you to join the Church; many people “visit” our Church for years. Please relax and feel at ease.

About posture in during our worship Services.
Posture is part of Orthodox practice, since we worship God with our bodies as well as with our words. You will see that people at times bow, make the sign of the Cross, etc. If you are not Orthodox, of course no one expects you to do these things — just sit or stand and listen, and participate to the degree that you wish. No one will judge you!

Should I stand and/or kneel?
Standing and kneeling are the Biblical postures for prayer, and Orthodox traditionally stand throughout the services.

What if I want to sit?
Don’t worry! For most people the habit of standing throughout a Service takes some “getting in shape,” so feel free to sit as you may find necessary.

Do you have chairs or pews?
Yes, we do! We have chairs in the church for those who wish or need to sit.

Do I have to kneel?
Again, don’t worry! Kneeling is considered a gesture of deepest reverence or of repentance. If you can and wish to do so, just follow the example of our parishioners. If you would rather not, it is perfectly fine for you to sit.

Are children welcome?
Of course: children are always welcome in the Orthodox Church! In regard to their behavior, we simply apply common sense. Most of us have raised, or are raising, children and we realize they will move around and talk.

Will my children disturb the Service?
It is not a problem if children move about quietly and occasionally say something. If you have children, simply be considerate – of them as well as of other worshippers – and take them out briefly when they become very restless or noisy, especially during the sermon.

Do you have a nursery?
We believe that it is beneficial and appropriate for children to be in the services as much as possible. If brought regularly to church, children will learn to settle down, and it is surprising how much even toddlers absorb. Typically you will not find a nursery in an Orthodox church.

Can I receive Holy Communion?
We understand that this is a serious topic for many Christians, and must be answered with seriousness and dignity. It is a simple fact that different churches and faiths have their own beliefs and practices. We absolutely respect the practices of other congregations and would never insist on “our way” when visiting their churches. In return, we politely ask others to likewise respect our customs and traditions.

What are the Orthodox customs regarding Holy Communion?
This is an important question. So as not to cause any offense through misunderstanding, we hope that the following points will help clarify our tradition:

Our understanding is that the receiving of Holy Communion is a sign of full commitment to the Orthodox Christian Faith and of active participation in the Body of Christ, which begin with the Orthodox Mysteries (Sacraments) of Baptism and Chrismation.

In other words, only Orthodox Christians in good standing who have prepared themselves to do so may receive Holy Communion.

The Orthodox Christian belief is that during the Divine Liturgy bread and wine are changed by the Holy Spirit to become the Body and Blood of Christ. Their reception as Holy Communion is therefore regarded as exceptionally sacred. These Holy Gifts are respected and guarded with extraordinary care.

Orthodox Christians believe that receiving Holy Communion requires serious preparation. This includes reciting Prayers of Preparation on the evening before, and on the morning of, the Divine Liturgy. It also means “fasting” by abstaining from all food and drink following dinner on the evening before until after receiving Holy Communion the next morning.

According to ancient Christian tradition, an Orthodox Priest may only administer Holy Communion to Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves to receive the Holy Gifts by following the Commandments of God, living according to Orthodox moral tradition, and Confessing regularly in the Mystery of Repentance. He is forbidden to do otherwise, under penalty of being defrocked.

Individuals wishing to receive Holy Communion and who are not known to the Priest must speak to the him (or ask a parishioner to send word to him) ahead of time so he will know that they are Orthodox Christians in good standing.

What is the bread that I see people taking from a basket? Is that Holy Communion?
No: what you are observing is the faithful taking a piece of bread that is not Holy Communion (i.,e., it is not the Body of Christ). This is called Antídoron which is blessed (not consecrated) bread. It is placed in a basket on a side table to be taken reverently by the faithful after receiving Holy Communion to ensure that they completely swallow the Body and Blood of Christ. Many of the faithful customarily take a piece of Antídoron at the end of the Liturgy to bring home. They will eat a portion as a blessing each day following their morning prayers.

May I receive the Antídoron?
It is common in many Orthodox parishes to offer Antídoron to visitors. Since it is blessed, we simply ask that you treat it reverently and consume it completely – including its crumbs – as soon as you receive it.