Etiquette

While we no longer practice the dismissal of the catechumens (taking them to another building to be taught during the second half of the liturgy), it is customary for catechumens to approach the solea (the platform in front of the Holy Doors) and receive a blessing from the priest as he prays over you during the Liturgy (Listen for: "Let us the faithful pray for the catechumens..."). Catechumens do not get in line for commune to receive a blessing.

All are welcome to light a candle for a loved one or a prayer request. Please assist children in lighting their candles. Also, please allow the candle to burn completely during the service. It should extinguish on its own and shouldn't be played with. It is not required but donations for candles are welcome with a suggested amount of $1.

As we sing in the Cherubic Hymn, "lay all earthly cares aside". Please silence your cellphone before entering church.

Only baptized Orthodox Christians in good standing may commune. 

If you are a visiting Orthodox Christian from another parish, it is customary to have your father confessor give a letter of good standing to the priest. This can be as simple as a text or email blessing one to commune. Please introduce yourself to the priest before the service begins. One uses their baptismal name (their saint name) for all sacraments.

If you are not partaking of the Eucharist, do not get in line and approach the chalice.

Women should remove their lipstick or chapstick before communing (it is best not to wear any at all before services).

The blessed bread (antidoran) in the bowl is available for all to partake. Because the bread is blessed, take care not to spill any crumbs. Parents should help their children to ensure that it does not fall to the ground.

One should cross themselves at the invocation of the Holy Trinity, any triple phase (Alleluia), before an icon or the Holy Gospel, while crossing over the center of the church in front of the Holy Doors, or during a personal petition. One should always cross themselves slowly and with intention - not making a rushed "circle".

Do not cross yourself before receiving a blessing from a priest, kissing the cross at the dismissal, or after receiving the Holy Eucharist (especially while standing in front of the chalice).

Do not cross yourself or "follow" the priest as he censes. Simply bow when he censes you and move to the middle of the nave if you are able. The priest is now focusing on the saints and the walls of the temple.

Please make every effort to be punctual. Let us remember that we are being invited to a feast by the King of Kings...one certainly doesn't want to be chronically late without cause. We understand that there are special circumstances like travel distance and family needs. Generally, if one arrives after the Gospel reading, then one should not commune.

Upon entering the Church, we should cross ourselves and greet Christ, the Theotokos, and the Patron of the Temple. Please do not approach the icons while the priest is censing, processing, or giving a word.

Do not exit the Nave while the Post-Communion prayers are being read. There is a temptation to simply commune and then head to Coffee Hour. Remember, Christ is still present and we should give thanks for the great gift we have been given.

We also understand that children get fussy and can require much attention. If your child is unable to be calmed or soothed, please take them to a quiet location (the library, the parish hall, or outside) until they can calm down.

We should dress modestly and honorably when coming to an Orthodox Christian service. Both men and women are called to dress in a manner that brings attention to God, our Creator, rather than ourselves. Men should not wear shorts, tight clothing, or anything with logos or text. Women should  avoid tight clothing, low-cut and sleeveless tops, open backs, and shorter-than-knee-length skirts or dresses. They should also be modest in their makeup, avoiding lipstick especially (it can damage icons and chalices). Everyone should avoid athletic attire.

Headcoverings for women are not required but encouraged.

We do not kneel on Sundays, Feast Days, or the time between Pascha and Pentecost. It is a pious tradition (not required) to kneel other times during the Anaphora (consecration of the Gifts) and the "Our Father".

The Nave of the Church is not a place for socializing. Please be aware of the content and volume of your speech. During Coffee Hour/Agape Meal, please wait for the clergy to bless the food before eating.

The ancient posture of worship is standing. Please reserve any seats for the elderly, the weak, the disabled, or pregnant women. Do not sit on the floor during the homily. Please stand any time the priest or deacons exclaims "Let us Attend" (blessing or reading of the Gosepl), during the beginning of the service, all entrances, when the Holy Eucharist is present, and during the dismissal. It is appropriate to sit during the Hours, the reading of the Old Testament or Psalms, and during the canon.

It is a pious practice (not required) to gently touch the phelonion of the priest as he processes with the Gifts at the Great Entrance. Do not tug on the vestments or get in the way of the procession. 

When venerating icons or relics, we should give honor as if the person were standing before us. That means we kiss either the hand, feet, gospel scroll, or shoulder. When an icon depicts a Biblical scene, we should pause and reflect on the event depicted and venerate the holy one of the scene. Please do not kiss icons while wearing lipstick or chapstick.

Please do not bring food, gum, or drink into the Nave. If your young children need a snack, please feed them in the parish hall.

The customary greeting for a priest or bishop is to ask for a blessing. The proper way to do this is to approach the hierarch or priest with right hand over left, palms facing up, and then bow while saying, “Master, bless” to the hierarch, or “Father, bless” to the priest. If either places his hand in yours while blessing you, this is an appropriate time to kiss his hand. We kiss his hand because we are honoring Christ, whom he represents and receiving His blessing. 

While photography is allowed, please be aware of the timing and where you are standing. Our first focus is actively participating in the service instead of wanting to see the service through a camera lens. However, there may be special moments in the life of the Church that we want to record. We should not be a distraction (no flash and no standing in the way) and we should never stand behind the priest or in front of the Holy Doors.