Frequently Asked Questions
Are non-Orthodox Visitors Welcome?
Yes! We are a community comprised of both converts to the Orthodox Church and cradle-Orthodox raised in the faith, and are very comfortable with newcomers, inquirers and visitors. We come from all racial, age, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. Every sincere lover or seeker of Christ, or non-Christian inquirer is welcome. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what we do and why.
Our normal Sunday service is the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom which is the liturgical service followed by all Orthodox Churches word-wide. You can follow along with the service book provided in the pews, or, if you prefer, simply look and listen.
Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy, we'd love for you to join us for “Coffee Hour”, which is a great time to get to know our parish members and clergy.
Can I bring my coffee into the church?
Please remember that an Orthodox Church is a temple of God, and in the sacred worship space you are in the presence of Christ himself. That said, you may leave any food or drink in the fellowship hall at the rear of the church and leave it there for the duration of the service :)
How long are the services?
The average Divine Liturgy (Sunday morning service) here is completed in under two hours, and Great Vespers (Saturday evening prayer service) in less than 45 minutes.
Is there a dress code?
Dress comfortably, but respectfully! Visitors wear everything from jeans to suits, long dresses to skirts, tee shirts to shirts with ties, dress shoes to sneakers. As a newcomer, you may notice that some Orthodox women wear head coverings; this is traditional, but it is not required – especially of our visitors and newcomers.
Is childcare provided?
Each parent is responsible to take care of their child. We have a room for nursing mothers off of the narthex. We encourage children to be present in Church for the services. This participation is part of a child’s spiritual formation.
Is Sunday School for children available?
There is a Sunday School program after Divine Liturgy on Sundays thoughout much of the year.
Standing or sitting?
You'll notice there aren't a lot of chairs--Orthodox Christians stand for prayer when we can, and so traditionally churches didn't have pews. We do have seating in the back and along the windows; please feel free to take a seat, but do be mindful that some people may need to sit more than others (though we should never judge, as you can't always tell by looking at them!).
Please stand (if able) and avoid moving through the church at these times:
- During the Lord’s Prayer.
- When the priest is circling the church with incense.
- During the Little and Great Entrances (Basically anytime you see the altar servers walking around with lanterns).
- During the reading of the Gospel.
Lighting candles?
Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship and piety. We light candles as we pray, making an offering to God accompany our prayers. Orthodox typically light candles when coming into the church. By the way, you do not have to be an Orthodox Christian to light a candle and pray in an Orthodox church!
Can non-Orthodox receive the Holy Eucharist?
- The Eucharist in the Orthodox Church is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, for everyone's well-being, we practice closed communion. In order to receive, one must:
- Be a baptized and/or chrismated Orthodox Christian.
- Have prepared his-or-herself through fasting, prayer, and confession.
- Note: If someone offers you a piece of bread afterward, it's okay; this is not the Eucharist. the bread is blessed, however, so please be careful not to drop any crumbs on the ground or throw it in the trash.
What is Orthodox worship music like?
Close to seventy-five percent of an Orthodox service in our tradition is congregational singing. Traditionally, Orthodox do not use instruments. Usually a choir leads the people in a Capella harmony, with the level of congregational response varying from parish to parish. The music is solemn, prayerful and intended to lead the faithful to worship the living God.