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First Time Visiting?
If you have never visited an Orthodox church before and would like to know what to expect, you are in the right place. While the Orthodox faith is best understood through the experience of attending and observing our worship, here are a few helpful things to know before your first visit.
A Few Things We Do
Families, Welcome!
During Divine Liturgy and other services, all parishioners take part together, including families with children as they are able. With children as a valued part of our services, we understand that young ones are still developing their attention spans, and that parents may need to take them outside when they require a break. They are also welcome to attend catechism classes with their parents.
Our Posture of Worship
In Eastern Orthodox Christian churches, standing is considered the primary posture for prayers. At St. Stephen's, chairs are available around the perimeter of the worship space for those who need it. However, as a general practice, parishioners and visitors are invited to remain standing during the service, except during the homily where most will opt to seat themselves in chairs or on the floor to listen.
Icons
Our churches are adorned by multiple depictions of saints - called icons - on the walls, proskynetarions (icon stands) and the iconostasis. You will see parishioners walk up to some of them and bend down to kiss them as an act of veneration, not worship. This is a tradition of the Orthodox Church based on the traditions of our Church Fathers. For more information on this practice, please see this video.
Candles & Incense
Reflecting the worship practices of the early Christian Church, our services engage all senses during worship. You will find many lit candles in various parts of the church. They represent our individual faith but also Christ as the light of the world.
Incense is used to sanctify the worship space, and also represents prayers. As Scripture says, "Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense".
Stay For Coffee Hour
After Divine Liturgy each Sunday, everyone is welcome to stay for coffee hour - a time to enjoy a cup of coffee, light lunch, and warm fellowship. Get to know other visitors and parishioners as we enjoy this time together. This is also an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the service or the Orthodox faith. We hope you can join us.
About Orthodoxy
