Visiting
Your first visit
Nobody is watching you, and nobody expects you to know what to do. Here is everything you might be wondering.
Can I come?
Yes. Anyone is welcome at any service, whether you are Orthodox or not, and whether you have been in a church this year or ever.
There is nothing to sign, nothing to pay, and no one will ask you to stand up or introduce yourself in front of everybody.
May I receive communion?
Holy Communion is received only by Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, and confession.
But at the end of the service everyone is welcome to come forward for blessed bread and a blessing. More below.
How long is it?
The Divine Liturgy is about 75 minutes, beginning at 10:00 on Sunday.
Orthros, the morning prayer service before it, starts at 8:45. People arrive throughout — coming in partway through is completely normal here.
Six things to keep in mind
Orthodox worship engages our mind, soul, and body. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting.
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Dress
Dress modestly and respectfully in a way that does not bring attention to oneself. Please turn off your cellphone when in church.
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Arrival
Upon entering the church, you will experience the sight of icons and candles, the smell of incense, and the sound of chanting and prayer. While we stand for most of our services, sitting is always acceptable. Please enter reverently, don’t worry about “what or what not to do”, and follow along in the service book located in the pews.
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Children
Babies, toddlers, and children accompanied by their family are welcome in all services. Low volumes of noise and movement are expected. Please step out if they become too noisy. You are welcome to come back in once they are calm.
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Holy Communion
Holy Communion is received only by Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, and confession. Visitors are welcome to stay during the distribution of Holy Communion.
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Dismissal
At the end of the service, we line up to receive blessed bread and a blessing from the Priest. All are welcome to receive both and briefly introduce yourself to him.
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Fellowship
Please join us for coffee and a meal. This is a great time to meet one another, tell us about yourself, and ask any questions you might have.
How a Sunday runs
So you know what you are walking into, and when.
- 8:45 am OrthrosMorning prayer — Greek for “daybreak”. Sixty to seventy-five minutes, leading straight into the Liturgy. People arrive throughout.
- 10:00 am Divine LiturgyOur main service — liturgy is Greek for “the work of the people” — centred on the reception of Holy Communion. About seventy-five minutes.
- about 11:15 DismissalEveryone lines up for blessed bread and a blessing from the priest. This is the natural moment to say hello.
- after Coffee and a mealEvery week, everyone, no charge and no sign-up. If you would rather slip out instead, that is completely fine too.
Common questions
If yours isn’t here, ask — a real person answers.
Can I come if I’m not Orthodox?
Yes, always, and you are under no obligation of any kind. You may sit at the back and simply watch if that is what you would prefer.
Do I have to stand the whole time?
No. We stand for most of our services, but sitting is always acceptable, and there are service books in the pews so you can follow along.
What is the incense for?Needs Fr’s review
Orthodox worship engages the whole person — mind, soul and body — and not only the intellect. The incense, the candles, the icons and the chanting are all part of that: prayer offered with the senses as well as with words.
If the smoke bothers you, the back of the nave and the narthex are noticeably lighter.
What if my child makes noise?
Babies, toddlers and children are welcome in all services, and a low level of noise and movement is expected. If they become too noisy, step out — and come back in once they are calm. No one minds.
Do I need to bring anything, or give money?Needs Fr’s review
No. There is nothing to bring and nothing you are expected to give. A tray or a box may be passed or set out for parishioners; a visitor should feel entirely free to let it go by.
May I take photographs?Needs Fr’s review
Please not during the services. If you would like photographs of the church itself, ask — or book a tour, which is a better way to see it properly anyway.
Is there anything during the week?
Yes. Great Vespers on Saturday at 5:00 pm, preceded by the Ninth Hour at 4:45. A Paraklesis to St George, our patron, on Monday at 5:15 pm. Vespers on some Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:15 pm. Feast days vary, so the calendar is the place to check.
I’m Orthodox but visiting — what should I know?Needs Fr’s review
You are very welcome. Two practical things: if Fr Christopher does not know you and you intend to commune, please speak with him before the Liturgy begins. And if you would like confession, it is best arranged in advance rather than on the morning.
What is a catechumen, and how does someone become Orthodox?Needs Fr’s review
A catechumen is someone who has begun preparing to be received into the Church — learning, praying and worshipping alongside the parish, usually over a matter of many months rather than weeks.
It begins with a conversation, not a decision. Our evening classes are the usual starting point, and there is no expectation that attending one commits you to anything.
Tell us you’re coming, or don’t
Either is fine. If you let us know, someone will meet you at the door and sit with you so you are not working it out alone. If you would rather arrive unannounced and see for yourself, that is genuinely fine too — it is what most people do.