What to Expect at a Divine Liturgy

 

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Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy starts at 9:00AM and concludes around 11:00AM.

 

Before the Divine Liturgy starts (on most Sundays) there are the services of General Confession and the Sixth Hour. There is no break between these services and the beginning of Liturgy. One flows directly into the other.

 

There are service books that will help you to follow along with the Divine Liturgy.

 

There will be greeters to meet you to assist and answer any questions you may have. They will be able to assist you in getting seated and provide you with a service book to follow.

 

An Orthodox service can be overwhelming on your first visit. Vibrant images of biblical events and saints cover the walls. You will see people lighting candles and venerating icons. The smell of incense fills the air. People will not only be using their voices to worship, but also their bodies. They will be crossing themselves and bowing or prostrating. It may seem strange at first, but this is how Christians have worshiped God for 2000 years.

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Click here to see a 10 minute video Overview of the Divine Liturgy.

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Fellowship/Potluck

Every week after Liturgy we have a potluck brunch. If you are attending as a first-timer, please do not plan to bring anything, but please do plan to eat with us. It would be our honor to have you as our guest.

 

Parking

There is plenty of free parking on Electra & Pasco Streets. Please leave the car park free for the parishioners of the Uniting Church.

 

Children

If you are used to going to other churches, you may expect there to be a Sunday School for the children while adults attend the main service.

 

In the Orthodox Church, children are full-fledged members of the Church and attend services along with adults. This may be challenging for parents if it is their first time visiting. A little noise and a little movement from children is not a problem. It is to be expected. We would only ask that if your child begins crying loudly to please take them outside till they calm down, and then return to the service. You will see this happen throughout the service with other families. It is perfectly OK.

 

The important thing is to participate in the service as a family and to know that we are glad you are with us.

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For more information specifically on church etiquette please click here and here.