Parish Etiquette Guide

Welcome!

Here, we enter into the Kingdom of Heaven together. The ancient service of the Divine Liturgy is the sacred offering of the entire Church—for us on earth and those in heaven—uniting all the faithful across time and space into His One Body. During our liturgy we worship God with reverence and awe, but above all, with love.

Therefore, let us:

• • • Arrive on time, before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, where we join the angels in singing, “Glory to God in the Highest.”
    • Dress respectfully. Offer your “Sunday best.” You are invited to Christ’s banquet.
    • Begin with devotion. Venerate the icons, light a candle, and make your offering. Ushers are happy to help.
    • Engage fully in worship: follow the Liturgy in the pew books or via the “GOA Digital Chant Stand” app; sing joyfully with the chanters and the congregation.
    • Avoid socializing in church or the Narthex (foyer). Our wonderful coffee hour will begin after the dismissal prayers.
    • PLEASE do not bring food/drinks/water bottles into the church.

For Guests or Inquires:

• • • Welcome! Please ask an usher for any assistance you need.
    • Fill out a Welcome Card—we’re eager to connect with you.
    • During Holy Communion, you may come forward for a blessing instead of receiving Communion.

For Families with Children:

• • • Children are always welcome in worship—Christ called them to come to Him. If children become unsettled, please use the cry room, which is soundproof, air-conditioned, with windows and speakers, allowing you to continue participating in the service.
    • Avoid staying in the narthex (foyer) if children are restless—it amplifies noise into the sanctuary.
    • Only parents of preschool and kindergarten children may accompany them to Sunday School, then return promptly to the church to complete the Liturgy.
    • Please help your children participate with loving reverence and piety by your own example—encourage memorizing communion prayers a little each week.

Communion Etiquette:

• • • Only Sunday School children and teachers should gather in the narthex (foyer) before Communion. Thank you for your patience.
    • If you’re seated upstairs, descend only after the conclusion of the communion prayers; if downstairs, please remain until your row is called.
    • Please remain silent and prayerful in the narthex, allowing the Holy Gifts to be prepared with reverence and piety.
    • Holy Communion is reserved for Baptized or Christmated Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer, fastings, and recent confession.
    • Preparation is key. Orthodox Christians fast before receiving Holy Communion. Please refrain from eating or drinking from midnight unless medically needed or advised by your Priest.
    • After receiving the Eucharist, return quietly to your seat and reflect—reading the silent Thanksgiving Prayers in the service book encouraging spiritual stillness, meditating upon receiving Him in your heart.

Staying Through Dismissal:

• • • All worshippers should remain until the end of the Divine Liturgy; please do not leave the CHurch after Holy Comunion or at any point before the final blessing.
    • Leaving early may cause you to miss the fullness of the prayers and blessing offered at the conclusion.
    • Upon completion, the Priest will distribute antidoron (blessed bread). Please receive it reverently.

Support Our Ministries:

• • • Our parish supports many impactful ministries—from youth and cultural programs to outreach and pastoral care.
    • If you’d like to support these efforts financially, please visit our “Stewardship” page. Every gift helps strengthen our community.