Orthodox Church Life Church Etiquette

Orthodox Church Life
"The Church is the earthly heaven in which the heavenly God dwells and moves."
An Orthodox Church is that part of God’s creation which has been set apart and “reclaimed” for the Kingdom of God. Within its walls, the heavenly and earthly realms meet, outside time, in the acts of worship and Sacrifice offered there to God. Angels assist the Priest during the Divine Liturgy, and Saints and members of the Church Triumphant participate in the Services. The Blessed Theotokos, the Mother of God, is also present and, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ is invisibly present wherever two or three gather in His Name, just as He is always present in the reserved Eucharist preserved on the Holy Table of most Orthodox Churches.
Given these very significant spiritual realities, we should always approach an Orthodox Church with the deepest attitude of reverence. Even when passing an Orthodox Church on foot or in a car, we always cross ourselves out of respect for the presence of God therein. It is, indeed, unthinkable that we should ever pass in front of an Orthodox Church without showing such reverence. Therefore, it is obvious that we must approach our meeting with the heavenly realm during Divine Services with careful and proper preparation.

[@mayembarmadeit331]

Greetings from Uganda Orthodox Church

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless you all.

[@jcatalan1496]

I went to Orthodox Church today on Christmas Eve I was so nervous I was sweating like crazy I don’t know the etiquette or traditions and I didn’t want to seem disrespectful I was raised evangelical and also stopped going to church or praying 9 years ago so that made me even more nervous but I was truly happy to be there and hope to go there more often. I hope this video helps me understand more so I can be less nervous and focus more on god when I’m at church

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless you, my dear brother in Christ.

[@jcatalan1496]

@@noself7889 you should still try to go it feels great being able to be there despite of how anxious you feel

[@Fr.MichaelCraigSmith]

No need to feel nervous, the church is for you and you will always be welcomed and loved.

[@titorios2543]

God Bless!

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

Thank you for this instruction. I'm looking to find an Orthodox church. I want to show my respect to Church and the living traditions. Growing up in the protestent tradition I was not taught how to show proper honor. I'll need to listen to this more than once. I feel blessed to be taught. Thank you

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless.

[@TheRadChadDad]

☦️☦️☦️

[@DFMoray]

Have you started a catechism class?

[@tallmikbcroft6937]

@@DFMoray yes I'm in week seven I think. The Church I attend is to small to offer the classes so they sent me to St George's in St Paul MN. It's wonderful to meet and get to know Orthodox from many traditions. Thank you for the inquire. Be blessed .Shalom

[@user-it2fo6tt7d]

Amen Praise the lord ☦️🛐

[@ServantofChrist1998]

This is a great video, learned lots of good stuff. Thank you and may God bless

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless ☦️ Christ is Risen!

[@NepticChronicles]

Much needed content. Never knew about not wearing shoes inside, makes since when looking at when Moses approached God.

[@historypunkwargames4760]

Amazing video, if only i had discovered it before i would have been way more prepared😢. Greetings from seattle!

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless ☦️

[@yourneighbour3309]

Thank you. Much needed! Striving towards The One Truth of Eastern Orthodoxy.

[@mr.misterioso9862]

Doing a nice service here

[@goorthodoxy]

God bless.

[@ownpetard8379]

Viewers should be aware that the video is geared to the Orthodox Faithful, and not visitors of other faiths that are seeking to learn about Orthodoxy. And even then, it seems that the video is more strict and prescribed than my experience in typical Orthodox churches. A few points. (Cradle Orthodox here) What a non-Orthodox visitor should expect. Please keep your shoes on. Time: The "time" of the Divine Liturgy will be stated on the website or in some other public fashion. There is an earlier service Orthos / Matins - that has to do with preparing the bread (mostly) for the Communion/Liturgy service, and introduces the particular day of the Orthodox calendar. That earlier service will appear to a newcomer as indistinguishable from the start of the Liturgy. It will blend in, but an experienced person will hear and see the familiar start of the Liturgy. So, come a little early and take it in. Entry: Most Orthodox churches have an entryway called the Narthex (Vestibule) where you can collect yourself before you enter the main part - the Nave. There in the Narthex parishioners can purchase a candle and light a candle at a candle stand with an icon. You won't do that. There will be one or more parishioners - likely parish council members - that will take the money for the candles or donations or "dues", and should welcome newcomers, Orthodox or otherwise. Feel free to introduce yourself. You might be asked to fill out a card with info that the priest at the end of the service might announce to the Faithful. Pews: For Orthodox churches with pews, the parishioners will sit, then stand, and sit again, over and over, and may kneel. Do what is comfortable to you. I recommend you stand, but feel free not to - but you'll get a better view of things if you do. Probably do not kneel, but rather sit respectfully. Structure: The Liturgy is broadly divided into the Liturgy of the Word - lead up to include the Gospel reading - and Liturgy of the Faithful - up to and including the Holy Communion. Then a short dismissal service. They all blend together. Depending on your background you may recognize the Nicaean Creed and the Lord's Prayer. These may be recited in two or more languages depending on the parish. As you experience Orthodoxy, you will see that many phrases and verbal images are repeated. Singing: Most Orthodox hymns will be new to you. Even if a church has a choir, parishioners are free to sing. Most who choose to sing will "sub-sing" for most hymns, letting the choir dominate. There can be exceptions, specially during the pre-"Easter" services - "Easter" is called Pascha in Orthodoxy (and most southern and eastern European countries / Mediterranean basin, even if not predominantly Orthodox) - and at Pascha itself. Icons: The word means image, but has a deeper meaning to the Faithful. Icons are prayerfully "written" not painted. They are reverenced, and not worshipped. There IS a difference. Observe but do not attempt to kiss an icon - would be meaningless. Sign of the Cross: The Orthodox frequently cross themselves. Don't do it without instruction. The Orthodox start with head, then torso, right shoulder, and then left shoulder. Fingers in a certain way - not open. Antidoron: In Greek Orthodox churches and perhaps others, the priest will hand out blessed bread to parishioners as they come up after the service. You may take this as you wish. You are not committing yourself in any way. The bread is called "antidoron", from anti - instead of, and doron - the gifts. It is bread that was NOT used for the Communion bread. The bread is simply made and is quite tasty for what it is. If you decline, simply say you are a visitor learning about Orthodoxy. No harm, no foul. Cross kissing: Instead of antidoron, some Orthodox churches' priests will have a large hand cross which the parishioners will come up and kiss / reverence. Don't do that - an empty gesture without background. Just follow folks out to where they exit. Coffee/reception: Most Orthodox churches will have a coffee hour after the services. Most do NOT have a meal. They likely have alternatives to coffee. These are usually free. Some might have pastries or dessert for sale. Welcoming: Most Orthodox churches have a formal means to welcome visitors. Especially in metropolitan areas in the US. If you are not greeted, it is likely you who does not want to be welcomed. Granted, there are exceptions. If you truly do not feel welcome, then seek another experience. It is not the norm. Other services: In conjunction with the Divine Liturgy, there may be other smaller services added in / appended. Usually these are totally separated after the dismissal, but some may be integrated in, especially if a Bishop is present. The two most common are a memorial service for a departed Faithful - Orthodoxy prays for the departed. Here there may be a tray of (dry) boiled wheat that has been decorated with powdered sugar, almonds, currants, and parsley - that symbolizes the soul of the departed. This is distributed to the attendees. The other common service - less so - is a thanksgiving service called the Artoklasia (breaking of bread) - Five Loaves. Special wheat loaves are baked, are blessed in a short service then cut and distributed to the attendees. Relax and let it come to you, but be open.

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

PEWS ARE FORBIDDEN!

[@ownpetard8379]

@@alexpanagiotis4706 Some parishes have them. If they do have them then I provided guidance as to what a visitor should do.

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

@@ownpetard8379 Yes, but in Orthodoxy they are not allowed. It us not part if our Tradition. Pews destroy the complete Services

[@ownpetard8379]

@@alexpanagiotis4706 Yes is the answer.

[@andreicristea3951]

Thank you!

[@franciscolaureano7703]

Thank you !! ☦️

[@James-hk6gc]

God bless 😊

[@racheltimokhina9221]

I love the instruction for children!! Beautiful! ❤

[@xavierpaololedesmamandreza]

It varies by country and culture, Sir. But generally you are correct.

[@Noone-rt6pw]

I prepare and clear my mind before entering. Thus let us lay aside all cares. Suits, some can not fit comfortably in suits, then many do not have finer clothes, where decent modest clothes are appropriate. John the Baptist was said to be dressed a little rough. Then on time? It's supposed to be a day of rest, where imposing unnecessary burdens can stress a person out. Which I like where others come when they get there. As myself, because of circumstances, sometimes I can not move for several hours even taking time to really wake up. Where you are liable for your actions. But like clothes, simply modest decent clothes, where anyone wants to impress God, clean your soul and do good for others when you can, looks much better to God. As seats I have to have seats. Which go back and look at when pews did not have seats, was I because it was not affordable? It was very common to not afford wood to build, but they got to America, there was plenty of lumber. or just not affordable, as man power is expensive and mo4so when it is done with all hand tools. So many things may be said traditional, but that's because of not affordable. I can't do too good on prostrations iteir where I have interfering ailments. I can see where any number would feel alienated, which I do not think Jesus would do. As clothes, someone overweight isn't apt to appear too good in suits, not to mention restrictive clothing is also bad for any number of people. Clean your hearts out, learn to actually love one another as if they were yourself God will be very pleased. Being sanctimonious with a touch of Prelest, not good.

[@elliotdavies1418]

Is one of the images you used Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Prince Lazar, in Bournville, Birmingham, England? That was my parish church.

[@brotherbrovet1881]

The neck tie is a modern Western creation.

[@DFMoray]

I heard the neck tie was a Masonic invention symbolizing a noose if you should betray the secret.

[@ltlarrow1]

and your point is what?

[@joeskill4663]

I don’t think every one would wear ties…As long as your still modest and not trying to draw attention to yourself, I would imagine that would be fine..🤷‍♂️

[@cabellero1120]

Joel 2:13 Rend your hearts, not your garments Decent dressing is always appropriate, however, It must be undertaken as a duty for the honor of God's House and Not to "show off" before fellow parishioners..

[@franciscolaureano7703]

I had noticed some of the Ethiopians who attend my OCA Church remove their shoes

[@deborahtomasi2197]

Thanks so much! The background music is too loud. It's a bit distracting...

[@user-oh3tl7je1q]

Is it really necessary for men to wear a full suit to church? I think it’s modest and respectable to just wear at least a buttoned down shirt and trousers.

[@DFMoray]

To be honest, no one does almost any of these things at my church.

[@linguafiles_]

No, it's not. I think if you use the guiding principles of genuinely giving your best for God, treating it like an important encounter, and not trying to attract attention to yourself then you'll arrive at what's appropriate given your financial situation, health considerations, and all the rest. It's even possible for one to start out feeling that one standard is fine and later feel convicted that they ought to do something different. If clothes are a hang-up, don't let it stop you from going.

[@pavell184]

Subtitles please 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@nikolajankovic96]

What is the church in the thumbnail?

[@user-oh3tl7je1q]

I really enjoyed this video. It seems like nearly all of the Orthodox practices described in the video sound nearly identical to the customs of my ROCOR parish. So did the Greek parishes used to do it this way before they became modernised, like the Greek Archdiocese of America? It seems like every Greek parish I’ve been to has pews (even the new churches, sadly) and the people there do not make bows and prostrations during the liturgy. The traditional praxis seems very watered down and Protestantized in GOA parishes.

[@goorthodoxy]

Unfortunately, my dear brother in Christ, in our days, we are seeing this phenomenon in about 90% of our churches. We have to pray harder to beg God to enlighten the church liders to stop the apostasy from God and His Holy Tradition. Χριστός Ανέστη!

[@user-oh3tl7je1q]

@@goorthodoxy Alithos anesti! Yes I totally agree.

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

FORGET THE GREEK PROTESTANTS

[@stevelenores5637]

If I stand for long periods I end up with a severe backache due to my arthritis. In order to deal with this I put one foot slightly in front of the other and lean on the pew in front of me. If I start feeling pain I'll shift to the other foot in front. I hope this is allowed.

[@almy75]

....it is not disrespectful to sit down in your situation.

[@johnnyd2383]

Go ketogenic... look it up online and it will remove your arthritis as it did in my case.

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

Pews are forbidden

[@stevelenores5637]

@@alexpanagiotis4706 Can you site your references?

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

Where I Attend, Saint Nicholas's Greek Orthodox Church, we don't have men on one side and women on the other

[@alexpanagiotis4706]

FORGET GREEKS. THEY ARE PROTESTANTS

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

Again, Saint Nicholas's Greek Orthodox Church Where I Attend, we have pews as well

[@joeskill4663]

I was looking online to see where I could go to visit an Orthodox Church. I’m in Canada close to the border. There is a Greek Orthodox Church about an hour away from me. I noticed looking at the website that they have pews. I will probably go visit this Church soon as I am very curious what it will be like..🙂

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

@@joeskill4663, chances are, either the priests will chant and the people respond, or there will be two chanters only. If there's seating, u may find families sitting together. I've never seen a Greek Orthodox Church with men on one side and women on the other. That doesn't mean there aren't any like that, I personally haven't seen that in Greek Orthodox Churches. My girlfriend lives in Ukraine, she's A Believer Too. In my city, there's a Ukrainian Church, but that's the only One, and it's Eastern Catholic. I'm going to take her there so she can be around her people when she visits me in the US. I personally do not embrace Catholicism, so I'm not going for me. I'm only going so she can be home away from home, and Yes, I Will Be Taking her To The Greek Orthodox Church I Worship At As Well.

[@joeskill4663]

@@OrthodoxChristianBeliever I use a wheelchair so I will have to sit anyway. I currently go to a Charismatic Christian Church. Some people from Ukraine have immigrated to my province in Canada. Some of the Ukrainian people have been going to the Church I go to. I’m kinda surprised because I thought they would try to go to an Orthodox Church. It’s hard to find Orthodox churches in my area. But I really want to go and see what it is like. I hope things go well for you and your girl friend can be with you in the US..🙏🏽

[@OrthodoxChristianBeliever]

@@joeskill4663, thank you, appreciate that. I left the charismatic movement. I can't speak for your charismatic church, none of the charismatic churches in the United States Follow The Bible. If they do, it's from a corrupted view. John Haggie twisting The Scriptures About The Parable Of The Sower so he can con people into giving him money, the guy's a millionaire. Steven Furtick who stood up and said, "I am god almighty." and he's friends with the Trinity denying modelist, TD Jakes. Joyce Meyer, prosperity gospel teacher who said Jesus's Atonement for sin wasn't On The Cross, but in hell where she teaches he was tortured. Bill Johnson teaches that Jesus had to become a Born Again Christian after His Death On The Cross. So yeah, this is the charismatic movement here in The United States. Charismatics all over this country follow this garbage I just mentioned. They also point the finger at Orthodox Christians and accuse them of worshiping idols while they lavish praise on Kenneth Copeland who called Creflo Dollar Jesus manifested in the flesh, then bowed down and worshiped Creflo Dollar as Jesus Christ. This is a mess. Again, I'm not saying these are charismatics in your area, but these are certainly charismatics here in The USA. I also forgot to tell u, I'm half French Canadian.

[@dorothydelight662]

im thinking of converting to orthodoxy but i cant agree with prayer intercession

[@goorthodoxy]

May God bless and enlighten you.

[@terrencemedders1867]

May I ask what is your hang up?

[@TheRadChadDad]

Hello Dorothy. All Christians should pray for each other. Prayer changes and strengthens us. Christians who have come before us are now with the Lord, and they are part of the Church, as we are. So when we ask, they can pray to God for us too, just as we pray for each other. May God bless you. ☦️☦️☦️

[@Mrscwaboyd]

⁠@@TheRadChadDad genuine question here … what benefit is there to asking a saint to pray for you? Yeshua said that we didn’t even have to pray to HIM our Messiah,but that we could go directly to HaShem. Even-then Yeshua makes intercession, in heaven on our behalf. Asking a fellow a friend or family member here on earth is different because they are here on earth with us. So they strengthen our upwards-going prayers. The saints can neither strengthen our prayers, because they are in heaven already. Nor can they strengthen Yeshua’s prayers, for Yeshua prays in completion. Do you believe Yeshua needs help interceding for you? Truly I ask what can Saint Peter for example add to The 3 Holy ones?