Come and See!
Like visiting any new culture for the first time, the best way to learn about the Orthodox Church is to simply come and see. Experience it firsthand. Endure the awkward stumbling through that many of us also experienced. Engage the community during the meal after the service and ask questions. We’re happy to have you! The best advice we can offer is to go all in for at least a month. One Sunday is nice, but it isn’t enough to receive the full picture.
If it’s truly your very first time, we recommend first coming to a service called Great Vespers at 5:00PM on Saturdays. It serves as a preparation for the next day’s Divine Liturgy. It’s about 45 minutes long and it’s simple, subdued, and quite prayerful. A great introduction!
Then on Sundays we celebrate the greatest event in the cosmos, the Divine Liturgy! (Read about the Divine Liturgy here, and here.) It begins at 10:00 AM, and it is the pinnacle and climax of our entire spiritual life! Everything we do is connected to the Divine Liturgy. There is no Christian life without it. For this reason, it is our most vibrant, lively, and active service, lasting usually between an hour and a half to two hours. Many report that it doesn’t feel so long when it’s over.
Another service precedes the Liturgy beginning at 8:45 AM called Orthros. It is another precursor and preparation for the Liturgy. So, depending on when you arrive, it may feel like you’ve missed the beginning and you’re late. Rest assured, you’re not!
Who Can Attend?
All are welcome! And we do mean all. It’s been said, “God indeed loves you as you are, but He loves you enough to not let you stay that way.” So come as you are, and expect to be transformed.
We also welcome everyone to join us for fellowship and refreshments after Sunday Divine Liturgy, in the fellowship hall downstairs in the church.
Many first time visitors have this article extremely helpful.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few of our pointers that will help with first visits:
- Turn off your cell phone, or leave it in your vehicle. If your phone does make sound during a service please walk out and silence it.
- It is perfectly acceptable to take pictures after the service is over, but not during.
- Watch the movements and actions of others and feel free to go where they go and do what they do, with the exception of clergy and choir.
- Light a candle if you’d like in the front of the church. This is a small physical form of prayer who many offer for a loved one or anyone in need.
- Save conversations for after the service is over.
- Come in all the way. You’re not expected to stay in the back just because you’re new.
- Dress appropriately. On Sundays, wear your best. Err on the side of modest.
- Sing along if you’d like! We also have service books available in the pews. Though, many have learned that the book distracts from their experience.
- Communion in the Orthodox Church is reserved only for baptized and practicing Orthodox Christians.
- At the end of the service, everyone is invited to come up, receive a blessing, and enjoy a piece of blessed bread. This bread is not communion but rather an offering of love to all.
- Please come speak to the priest, so we can get to know you!
