What is Orthodox worship like?

Orthodox worship "feels" differently than both Protestant and Roman Catholic worship.  Depending on your history, you may recognize much of the service, or little of the service.  The senses are engaged in worship: sight with many colorful icons; sound with the singing; smell with incense that is used; the body with the sign of the cross and bows.  Throughout all of this, our goal is simple: to spiritually touch our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who loves us and whom we love.

What may I expect when arriving?

All who seek our Lord God are welcome at our services.  Sit or stand anywhere you like.  Use the service books in the pews to follow along.  After the service, we have coffee and refreshments downstairs in our social hall where there will be a chance to talk.  We are grateful to God for bringing you to visit us here online today -- we look forward to meeting you in person.

We stand to pray.

In the early Church, the typical posture of prayer was standing.  In Orthodoxy, we continue this practice.  We sit for the sermon and stand for most of the rest of the service.  However, by all means, those who need to sit instead of stand are urged to sit.  It's not about sitting or standing but worshipping our Lord with joyful and reverent prayer. 

Tell me about icons.

We have more icons than an iphone (that's a joke!). We don't worship icons - worship is reserved for God and God alone.  But you will see that we honor icons by making the sign of the cross before them and even kissing them.  For us, honoring an icon is a way of honoring that which is represented on the icon. 

Let me ask about Holy Communion.

Our Sunday service, Divine Liturgy, lasts about an hour and one-half.  Readings from the Gospel and New Testament, and the sermon are in the first half.  Holy Communion is in the second half.  As Orthodox, we view Holy Communion as a deeply awesome and holy event.  As such, it is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through fasting and repentance.  You will see that bread and wine is offered after communion - this is not communion itself, but only blessed bread and wine.  Often someone will offer this holy bread to new visitors as a demonstration of hospitality and welcome.

The Cross at the end of the service.

At the end of the service, the priest holds the cross, people line up, and come forward to kiss the cross.  All may come to the cross.  While you may not be comfortable with the kissing part, please consider coming forward so you and the priest can meet.

What should I wear?

Some people wear their very best.  Others choose less formal clothing.  Wear what you have, considering respect for our holy worship space.  We want you to feel welcome and comfortable.

Are Children welcome?

Yes!  Children are welcome to join the services, move around within reason, sing and celebrate!  We enjoy children and love to see them experiencing the sights, smells and sounds of the Church.

Your visit

Thank you for considering a visit. We hope you will choose to come and experience the worship of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ in the Orthodox manner.