Looking for a Christ-Centered Church?
You Found it
We are NOT Jewish, but we are Orthodox.
We are NOT Roman, but we are Catholic.
We are NOT Protestant, but their BIBLE came from us.
We are NOT Denominational, but we are Pre-DENOMINATIONAL.
This image is from a celebration of St. John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ, and Patron Saint of our Community. Here are members of the church from the highest order to explorers of a few weeks. All came together to worship and enter into communion with God. All stand equal before Him. All found the fullness of faith in the Orthodox Church.
A Basic Introduction to Orthodoxy
This page was written, by a catechumen (not yet received in the church), to set future explorers at ease for their first visit by addressing some common questions.
No amount of books, videos, or discussion can adequately describe what it is to be Orthodox but, we hope that the following sections help shed light on what our services are like and what to expect. With a little foreknowledge, we hope you then take courage and visit us for the first time.
Welcome!
If you haven't already please, check the tabs "Our Faith" and "Adult Education" at the top of the page for detailed descriptions of our beliefs and practices not found in this FAQ. You may also be interested in watching testimony from other explorers
I am brand new to Orthodoxy
"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" Lk. 5:31.
The Church is a hospital for the spiritually sick. Each and every one of us (the priest included) is crying out for mercy. This is a place where you will be loved not looked down upon. This is a place where you can find your true identity through Christ.
Come as you are.
No! All are welcome in the Orthodox Church.
While our roots are Greek, this is not an ethnic club. Take another look at the image above and you will find Christians from many backgrounds. Our identity is with Christ and His kingdom.
Some prefer the smaller services during the week (paraklesis, vespers, etc) where there is fewer people and you are likley to catch Father Ions ear for a bit. Others prefer larger services like the divine liturgy where they can blend into the crowd and see the church in full swing. There are no wrong answers but, we do encourage folks to come to eventually attend liturgy on Sunday and stay for a wonderful homecooked lunch.
In general, most services are about an hour. Please note sometimes there are multiple services back to back (matins + liturgy on Suday). Don't feel pressured to attend from 8:30 A.M. through 11!
The classic advise from St. Ambrose holds true today: "When in Rome do as the Romans do". Don't stress about making mistakes or looking silly. Instead take your cues from the others. If a fellow church-goer (parishioner) is lighting a candle, feel free to light a candle. If they are crossing themselves (and you feel inclined), cross yourself. If people are singing/chanting and you can keep the harmony, join in!
I've been coming for a little while
Ask Fr. Ion for a copy of the liturgical calendar or link it to your google calendar here
In general the first week of Great Lent, The week of Pascha (Easter), Theophany (the Lord's baptism), and The Dormition of the Theotokos (falling asleep of The Mother of God) are filled with services. If one of these events is coming up check with Father about service times.
Every person has been given a talent (or many) from God. Reflect on what God has given you and consider how you can put that talent to use and reach out to Father Ion or the ministry coordinator listed in the bulletin (if joining an existing ministry).
Help is always welcome on any of the rotating teams who serve our Agape meal. Providing hospitality to any who walk in our doors is something to be proud of and it doesnt take a master chef or deep pockets to participate.
There is no rushing catechism. We want you to get to know the church first rather than rush in. Like a new couple, it is common to be eager but, trust that it takes time to know if this is what you truly want and are ready to commit to.
Talk with Father Ion about your options. While the classes are a wonderful resource there is far more to be gained from the many services and readings each day in church. Leverage The digital chantstand and study what we pray before and after coming to service. Befriend the saints by learning about their lives posted on the home page each day in the "Readings and Other Resources" section.
"How does The Church view pain, suffering, and death?" "What is a christian marriage? "How do I pray?" "I am struggling with passion" "I dont understand why XYZ happened/is happening" These are questions best discussed with your spiritual Father. That said, the scriptures tell us "There is nothing new under the sun - Ecclesiastes 1:9" and the Orthodox Church has been grappling with these quetsions for thousands of years. It is a good idea to check through the Adult Education section and see if there isn't a category and a subsequent resource that can help make your converstaion with your spiritual Father be more fruitful or even outright answer your question.