So You’re Thinking about Visiting…
For the non-Orthodox…
If you have never attended our parish before, here is what you can expect: When you enter our current facility (which serves as a temporary church for us), you will enter the part of the church known as the “Narthex.” Here, you will see icons and lit candles. A greeter will welcome you and give you the Liturgy book and the Sunday bulletin. You may also be asked to fill out a visitor’s card, though this is up to you. Feel free to ask the greeter any questions you have! And you are more than welcome to light a candle and say a prayer!
From the Narthex, you will enter the main worship space known as the “Nave.” If it is your first Orthodox service, you may ask the greeter – if it has not already been offered – to be seated with someone who will help guide you through the service. If you would rather sit alone, feel free to sit in any open seat. While we stand for the vast majority of the service, don’t be nervous about sitting if necessary! I promise: nobody will notice or care! And if you would like to participate and sing along with the hymns and responses in the book, please do!
For Holy Communion, only Orthodox Christians may receive. If you would like to receive a blessing from the Priest at that time, however, you are more than welcome to get in line. When approaching the Priest, just let him know that you would simply like a blessing. At the end of the service, everyone goes up to the Priest to receive a piece of blessed bread. This bread is for all – Orthodox and non-Orthodox alike – so please be sure to get in line, introduce yourself to the Priest, and receive one of the pieces. After the service, we have a fellowship hour in the next room, and we would be overjoyed to have you join us for it!
If you have any questions before a visit, feel free to email or call our Priest. And please let us know what we can do to make you fell more comfortable!
For more information on what to expect when visiting an Orthodox church for the first time, see this article: What to Expect…
For Orthodox Christians visiting for the first time…
If you are an Orthodox Christian visiting our parish for the first time, here is what you need to know: Our services are done in English.
For those with young children, we do have a small room from which one can still see into the church. While you may want to use this room to nurse or calm down a crying child who might be disturbing others, please don’t feel obligated to leave the Nave if your child is getting a little fussy! The more children, the better!
Please be sure to introduce yourself to the Priest when receiving Antidoron, and please join us for fellowship after the Liturgy!
If you have any questions or concerns, just contact our Priest through email or a phone call. Thank you for visiting!