You Are Welcome Here
Nobody expects a first-time visitor to know the customs of an Orthodox church. Come as you are, stand or sit where you are comfortable, and follow along as best you can. The notes below answer the questions we hear most often. None of them are rules for guests. They are simply what we do, so that nothing surprises you.
⏰ When to Come
Sunday: Orthros (Matins) begins at 9:15 AM and flows directly into the
Divine Liturgy at 10:15 AM. Most visitors arrive a few minutes before 10:15.
Saturday: Vespers at 5:00 PM, a quieter evening service of about 45 minutes,
is a good first visit if a full Sunday morning feels like a lot.
What to Wear
Dress as you would for any respectful occasion. Men usually wear slacks and a collared shirt. Women usually wear a dress, skirt, or slacks with a modest top. Some women cover their heads in church and many do not. Either is fine here. Shorts, tank tops, and hats on men are best left at home.
Entering the Church
Orthodox Christians usually pause in the narthex (the entry area) to light a candle and venerate the icons before finding a place in the nave. Candles are offered as a prayer for the living and the departed. You are welcome to light one and welcome to simply walk in.
You may notice people making the sign of the cross and kissing the icons. This is a way of greeting the saints, much as you would greet a photograph of someone you love. Guests are not expected to do this.
During the Service
Standing and sitting
Orthodox worship is traditionally done standing, but we have chairs and you may sit whenever you need to. Most people stand for the Gospel, the Creed, the consecration, the Lord’s Prayer, and Holy Communion.
Following along
Service books are available at the entrance. Much of the Liturgy is sung. Feel free to join in or simply listen and pray.
Moving about
If you arrive after the service has started, please wait to enter or take a seat during the Small Entrance (the procession with the Gospel book), the Gospel reading, the Great Entrance (the procession with the gifts), the Creed, the consecration, or the Lord’s Prayer.
Phones and photos
Please silence your phone. We ask that no photos or video be taken during the service unless the priest has arranged it.
Children
Children belong in the Liturgy and we are glad to hear them. If a little one needs a break, the narthex is right there. No one will mind.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church is reserved for baptized or chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer, fasting, and recent confession. This is not a judgment on anyone. It reflects the ancient understanding that Communion is the fullest expression of a shared faith.
Everyone, Orthodox or not, is invited to come forward at the end of the Liturgy to receive the blessed bread (antidoron), meaning “instead of the gifts,” from the priest and to greet him.
Visiting from Another Orthodox Parish
If you are an Orthodox Christian visiting Jacksonville, whether on vacation, on orders to Camp Lejeune or New River, or just passing through, we are glad to have you with us. A few things that help:
- Introduce yourself to Fr. Vasilios before the Liturgy if you plan to receive Holy Communion. Let him know your home parish and that you have prepared. Arriving during Orthros gives time for this.
- Orthodox Christians of any canonical jurisdiction (OCA, Antiochian, ROCOR, Serbian, Romanian, and others in communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate) are welcome to commune here after speaking with the priest.
- Moving to the area? Ask your home priest for a letter of transfer, or simply bring his name and contact information. Fr. Vasilios will take it from there.
- Military families: tell us you are stationed here. We have many families in the same situation and will help you get connected quickly.
After the Service
Please stay for coffee hour. It is the easiest way to meet the parish, ask questions, and speak with Fr. Vasilios. If you would like someone to expect you on your first visit, send a note to welcome@stporphyriosjacksonville.org and we will be watching for you.