YOUR FIRST VISIT
What To Expect
Everybody’s welcome. Here’s everything you need to know.
Practical Things To Know
What To Wear
1
Dress modestly, but comfortably. Please cover shoulders and knees if possible, and leave hats at the door. However, we would prefer you attend than not attend so do your best!
For women, head coverings (head-scarfs, veils, etc.) are welcome but not required!
If you like to dress nice, then feel welcome to do so!
Incense & Senses
2
Incense has been part of prayer since the Temple in Jerusalem, specifically offerings of incense to God. It’s part of the ‘whole-body’ worship of the church.
We intentionally use incense that is less irritating to the senses, however please feel free to sit near the back or an open window if you are sensitive.
Standing & Sitting
3
We traditionally stand for worship as the ancient Christians did. However, chairs are available and you should sit when needed. No one will judge.
We all sit during the homily in the middle portion of Liturgy, so feel free to sit on the floor or find a chair.
Participation
4
If you are so inclined, feel free to join us in the various aspects of the Liturgy.
Don’t worry about crossing yourself, bowing, venerating icons, or anything else your first time. Observe, soak it in, and do what feels comfortable.
While only baptized and prepared Orthodox Christians are permitted to participate in Holy Communion, all are welcome to come forward and receive both a blessing and the blessed bread given at the end of the service.
How Long Is Divine Liturgy?
5
Divine Liturgy starts roughly around 9:30 AM on Sunday and is usually about an hour and a half to two hours at most.
Afterward we gather for a potluck meal together, which we warmly invite you to join.
How Long Is Vespers?
6
Weekly Vespers starts roughly around 6pm and is usually about 20-30 minutes.
Great Vespers happens on Saturdays and begins at 6pm; this service lasts a little bit longer (more like 45 minutes).
Vespers is the traditional evening prayer service, which ushers in the beginning of the new day according to Scripture (Genesis 1:5).
STEP BY STEP
Your Sunday Morning
at St. Christina
When You Enter
When you enter, you’ll be in what is called the Narthex. It’s kind of like an entryway or lobby. When you arrive someone will be there to greet you and hand you any helpful materials or readings for the day. We have service books so you can follow along with the liturgy and you can request one upon entering. Please make sure the service books are returned at the end of Liturgy, so others may have the opportunity to use them.
The Nave
The main area of worship is called the Nave. In other traditions it might be called the sanctuary or auditorium. Find a spot to stand or sit where you feel comfortable, keeping the Narthex (entryway) clear. Service will very likely already be in progress; that’s ok! Liturgy flows from beginning to end and people arrive when they can and stand where they can. It’s normal to enter at various points of the service depending on your arrival.
The Eucharist (Communion)
The pinnacle, highlight, and focal point of worship for Orthodox Christians is The Eucharist. This is the culmination of our time together, and the center of our Worship; the real presence of Christ. Communion is for baptized Orthodox Christians, however you’re welcome to join the line and venerate the communion chalice with a kiss. Feel free to eat some blessed bread (which is not communion), available at the end of the line, and again at the end of liturgy.
Worship
Feel free to follow along with a service book or let the hymns and prayers wash over you. At various times people will cross themselves, bow, and in certain seasons they may even prostrate (bow to the ground with your forehead touching the floor). This is all part of the experience of ancient worship! Feel free to participate, or not, as you feel comfortable.
Potluck/Coffee Hour
Please stay after for community, food, and coffee.. Every Sunday we share a meal together and spend time as a spiritual family. Guests are not expected to bring food, but are encouraged to eat with us and of course, you get to skip the line as our visitor. Someone will most likely come and say hello and introduce themselves, including one of our clergy members. If you have questions about the service, this is a great time to ask over a plate of food.
Families & Children in Worship
In the Orthodox tradition, children, regardless of age, are full members of the body of Christ, and so babies and children remain in services.
Kids can get bored or squirrelly, but that’s ok! We have coloring books, story books, and lots of space for kids to roam around.
Many newcomers aren’t used to this their first couple times, but we assure you that no one will mind. If a child gets bored you can take them around the Nave and show them the icons, or take a quick walk outside and come back in when it’s time.
For further questions about resources for families and children use the button below to contact our Sunday School Teacher.
We’d Love To
Meet You
Let us know you’re coming or simply show up!