Many first time visitors have questions about what to expect when attending services at a new church so we have compiled several resources to help answer some of those most commonly asked questions.
Our parish is a member of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America and follows the liturgical practice and canoncial discipline of our Archdiocese and Patriarchate. All our services are in English.
"What is a Liturgy? Am I Welcome? Do They Speak English?" This blog post by an Orthodox seminary student covers some of the most commonly asked questions that people have regarding Orthodox services.
"Information to make you feel more at home in Orthodox worship. This article is also available in booklet format at our church.
First Visit to An Orthodox Church: Twelve Things I Wish I'd Known
To help answer etiquette questions the Archdiocese has prepared this easy-to-read booklet to answer many frequently asked questions about church etiquette.
The booklet includes topics such as entering and leaving church, lighting candles, venerating icons, crossing oneself, socializing, receiving antidoron, children in church, church attire, photography in the church, and much more.
"This booklet lists everything parishioners need to know about respectful and reverent behavior while in Liturgy...The Holy Orthodox Church is perhaps one of the last social institutions where dignity, protocol, respect and reverence are maintained. This is primarly because when we come to the church and its services we are entering the Kingdom of God on earth, His habitation, and we choose to honor this sacred place by our attentiveness to what is proper and ordered. We have the opportunity to reflect the image of Christ within us by our actions...This guide is meant for personal reflection..." From the introduction page of the Church Etiquette booklet.
A Guide to Church Etiquette: How to Show Proper Respect and Reverence in Church
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His Beatitude Patriarch John X |
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His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph |
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His Grace Bishop Anthony |
To learn more about His Beatitude Patriarch John X and the Patriarchate of Antioch:
Biography on His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East
To learn more about His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Biography on His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph
To learn more about His Grace Bishop Anthony of the Toledo & Midwest Diocese:
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"From God comes grace, but from us comes labor. Therefore, let no one even think that the holy apostles relied solely on the God-given grace, or that it was easy for them, or that performed their great work in the world without effort. Gathering his last strength the Holy Apostle James raised himeslf to his knees, stretched forth his hands towards heaven and fervently prayed to God saying: 'Lord, forgive them this sin, for they know not what they are doing.' While he was praying thus, wicked men struck him with stones from all sides...killing the saint of God." St. Nicholas of Zica
"Every holy church is a piece of Heaven on earth. And when you are in church, look - you are already in Heaven. When the earth torments you with its hell, hurry to church, go inside, and behold - you have entered into Paradise. And if it happens that you are attacked by the entire legions of demons, then run to church - stand among the holy angels, and the angels of God will protect you from every demon of this world. And nothing will be able to hurt you. Do not forget, brothers: We, Christians, are strong by God. Who then can be stronger then us? No one, no one! St. Justin Popovic
"Sometimes called the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Church is the first Christian Church, the Church founded by the Lord Jesus Christ and described in the pages of the New Testament. Her history can be traced in unbroken continuity all the way back to Christ and His Twelve Apostles. For twenty centuries, she has continued in her undiminished and unaltered faith and practice. Today her apostolic doctrine, worship, and structure remain intact. The Orthodox Church maintains that the Church is the living Body of Jesus Christ."
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.
