Question 1

What Should I Expect When I First Arrive?

Accepted Answer

If you visit on a Sunday, you’ll be welcomed by a greeter at the door. Feel free to tell the greeter you’re new and he or she will help you navigate your way around.

Question 2

Are Non-Orthodox Visitors Welcome?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The faith is open to all, and you are welcome here. We love having new people come and look forward to meeting you. We are a community made up of quite a few converts (including our priest and deacon) and we welcome newcomers, inquirers, and visitors. We understand that our visitors may have questions about the Orthodox Christian faith and practices; many of us have been there. Don’t be afraid to ask about what we do or why we do it. May the Lord bless you and your visit.

Question 3

Is Childcare Provided?

Accepted Answer

Childcare is not provided (though it's usually quite easy to find someone willing to hold an infant or quietly accompany a squirmy toddler for a short time). Children and young people are an integral part of our community and our worship—together we make up the One Body of Christ. We believe it is appropriate and beneficial for children to be in the services as much as possible.

It’s no problem if little ones move about quietly — we have a number of children ourselves and are used to some movement. In general, we try to avoid disrupting Divine Worship by coming and going, but this must be tempered with love. If small children should become restless or loud, they may need for loving caregivers to take them out, briefly, to return when they are able to do so. We have a room off to the side of the Fellowship Hall and a nursing mothers’ room (just off the entrance hall, or Narthex) available for this purpose.

Question 4

Is Sunday School Available for Children?

Accepted Answer

During the academic year, we offer Church School classes for Littles (ages 3-6), Middle Elementary (ages ~7-10), Tweens (ages ~11-12 or middle school) and High School Students. The Littles class is dismissed each Sunday after partaking in the Eucharist and meets until dismissed to return to parents for Coffee Hour. The three older classes each meet twice a month during Coffee Hour. Check the current schedule to see which classes are meeting this week.

Question 5

What Should I Wear to Church?

Accepted Answer

Some people like to wear their very best. Others choose less formal clothing. There is a wide variety of clothing styles in our church, and we want you to feel welcome and comfortable. People wear everything from nice jeans to suits, long dresses to skirts, sneakers to dress shoes. You will see some women wearing head coverings and others not – it is a personal practice and both traditions are welcome.

Question 6

What is Coffee Hour?

Accepted Answer

We think of Coffee Hour as the informal "liturgy after the liturgy." It is an important time of enjoying food and drink together in the Fellowship Hall. You're invited to join us after the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and grab some coffee or tea (and go first in line for food!) so we can get to know each other.

If you are not interested in social interaction at first, that’s fine. There are plenty of introverts here and we get it! You are always welcome to follow at your own pace and level of interest. No one will put any pressure on you to join the Church; many people “visit” our Church for years. Each of us has our own story of how we came to be here and we're happy to share, but mostly we're just curious about you and what has brought you here.

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