The Evening before Divine Liturgy

Worship in the Orthodox Church is a way of life. Orthodox Christians follow the life cycle of the Church, as it is our life. Orthodox Christians do not only attend Sunday services, but prepare themselves the evening before by, attending vigil and preparing themselves through regular confession, and the prayers before Holy Communion. 

Preparation For Receiving Holy Communion

The Orthodox Church does not practice open Communion; therefore individuals who are not Orthodox Christians may not approach the chalice. Non-Orthodox Christians are welcome to attend all of our services and join us in our fellowship afterwards.

Baptized and Christmated Orthodox Christian visitors who wish to receive the Holy Mysteries are subject to prepare themselves through proper prayer, fasting, and confession. Proper prayer includes attendance at the Vigil or Vespers service the evening before the Divine Liturgy and reading or listening to the Prayers Before Holy Communion. If you are unable to make it the night before,but would still like to partake of Holy Communion, contact the priest in advance to discuss this option. Visitors must also contact the priest or deacon prior to approaching the Communion Cup. If you would like to arrange a time for confession it is best to call the priest in advance.

Proper Dress for Church Services

Men and boys should wear clean (semi-formal, formal) pants, shirts, and shoes. Sloppy clothing, logo T-shirts, athletic shoes are not appropriate for Divine Services.

Women and girls should wear modest dresses or skirts that cover the knees and blouses that cover the chest and upper arms. As the Apostle Paul instructs in his epistle to the Corinthians, married women are encouraged to cover their heads during prayer. Makeup such as lipstick and lip balm should be removed prior to reverencing the icons or approaching for Holy Communion. Archbishop Peter reminds women that it is not appropriate to wear pants for divine services. 

Exceptions are made for the younger children (under seven) but as they grow older they should be instructed in the proper dress for these practices set patterns for the future habits.

Helpful things to know when visitng an Orthodox Church. 

After the Divine Liturgy

Please join us in our refractory after the services for a nice meal. We would love the opportunity to get to know you. Thank you for visiting our parish!