Come and See
Your first visit
Nothing is asked of you. You may simply come and stand at the back.
When to come
The Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning is the service to come to first. It begins at 9:00 a.m., preceded by the Hours at 8:40. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to get your bearings.
If you arrive late, come in quietly and stand at the back. People do arrive late. Nobody will mind, and nobody will look.
What to wear
Modest, ordinary clothing. Nothing formal is expected. Many of the women cover their heads and wear skirts; a visitor is under no obligation to do either, and no one will say anything if you don't.
Standing and sitting
Most of the congregation stands for most of the service, which is longer than many people expect — usually around two hours. There is seating at the sides. Sit whenever you need to; this is not something anyone will judge.
What you'll see
Almost all of the service is sung rather than spoken. There is incense. People come and go a little, light candles, and venerate the icons. It will feel unfamiliar, and that is entirely normal.
You are not expected to follow along or to know when to cross yourself. Watching is enough.
Communion
Holy Communion is for Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and confession, so a visitor should not approach the chalice. At the end of the service blessed bread is distributed to everyone present — you are welcome to take some.
Children
Children are welcome and are not expected to be silent. They are part of the congregation, noise and all.
Our Clergy
Who you will meet
The priest and the deacon serving this parish.
Fr. Jacob Wojcik
Priest
A few sentences of biography to be added — where he was ordained, how long he has served this parish, and anything the parish would want a newcomer to know.
Fr. Yakov
Deacon
A few sentences of biography to be added.
This is the page a nervous newcomer reads most carefully — knowing who will be there makes walking through the door easier. Send a few sentences for each and a photograph if they are willing, and these will be filled in. Full names and titles should be confirmed too; only what was in your notes is used here.
This is the page a nervous newcomer reads most carefully — knowing who will be there makes walking through the door easier. Send a few sentences for each and a photograph if they are willing, and these will be filled in. Full names and titles should be confirmed too; only what was in your notes is used here.
Finding Us