Visiting An Orthodox Church For The First Time? What You Should Know

[@UnbreakingOrthodox]

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, the beautiful world of Orthodoxy will never cease to amaze me, Christ is king ☦️

[@lillianmaguire9869]

Christ is God

[@shubhamsaurya1947]

Christian religion is the true religion. Lord Jesus Christ is the real God. Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Lord Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Glory be to Lord Jesus Christ 🛐☦️

[@ChristianHada]

I visited my first divine liturgy this past Sunday and I was sooo nervous leading up to it. But, right as soon as I walked through the doors and my eyes were met with the beauty of the icons and the smell of incense and sounds of chanting, instantly I felt calm and at peace.

[@ILOVECOMEDYHAHA]

Christ is King ☦️

[@DFMoray]

The King of Kings. God of God; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten not made; consubstantial with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary: and was made man.

[@izxy70]

Please pray for me to have courage to come and see the church Jesus has established and to leave my Nestorian church family.. I may lose all my earthly friends and family, but I hope to gain the glorious riches of Christ in the family of the Church

[@handofthehigh]

Take courage. Christ is our Hope and Salvation. Whoever looses his life for Christ sake will find it. Read scripture and that will encourage you. And especially the lives of saints. Im struggling the same battle as you. these will help. Find your nearest church and email the priest.

[@SuperTommox]

The picture of a far away loved one is a perfect analogy

[@gluna3196]

I am from Lompoc, I am 16 years old and plan to visit soon. I am trying to find my way into Christianity and Orthodoxy seems the right path

[@EncryptedGame]

Goodluck to your journey my brother my friend pray for me as well when you make it I pray and hope for your success I wish for my hope and success into heaven or reincarnations eternal life I’m scared of afterwards of death but I hope your greeted with good hands man I’m not sure who I am but I feel like with time I’m going through changes slowly and I want to do good I feel guilty bad something but pray for my good I hope you do well brother ❤

[@frankhollidiaz6142]

My House has become my home away from home, I enjoy being at The church so much ,it feels like my true home. Attending Orthodox Church services has and continues to have a profound effect in my life and on me as a person. May the most Holy ever virgin Theotokos pray for us, her son is indeed our beloved and most merciful and compassionate King👑⚓️☦️🛐❤️‍🔥🗝️🪆

[@Daemon1356]

I'm looking forward to starting my journey into the orthodox faith ☦️

[@orthodox1717]

God bless you on your journey! ☦️

[@Hope_Boat]

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!☦

[@ProtestantismLeftBehind]

It’s a long distance run. Go slow. God will change your life.

[@Wmwnnqnwnb]

It is incredible that Orthodoxy exists in USA, especially in California out of all the places, i hope OCA spreads over US, US really needs religion and truth.

[@ownpetard8379]

This is for people exploring Orthodoxy. A few points. (Cradle Orthodox here) from the standpoint of a first visit. This is from the Greek tradition, but much of it applies to all flavors of Orthodoxy. 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. When you are ready, enter the Nave. 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. Nave: This is the central part of the church where the Faithful are. Enter the Nave and take a place - spot or pew seat - as you wish. Like any other place of gathering, some spots may be favorites of the "regulars", so be willing to move slightly here or there. Other than for baptisms, weddings and funerals, there is no reserve seating, and no paid pews. 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 when the parishioners 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 - 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. Plan on staying to the end/dismissal, but you may leave at any time. Holy Communion: Holy Communion in an Orthodox Church is for Orthodox Christians. No exceptions. The components are leavened bread and wine with a bit of warm water. It is offered via a spoon. In most cases the dismissal service closely follows Communion. (Some churches have the sermon following Communion.) Usually followed by announcements. 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 - parishioners will vigorously sing, 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) - as well as at Pascha and the Sundays after Pascha until Pentecost. 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.

[@xnihilo1044]

Thank you

[@MalachiFriedlund]

Thank you very much

[@leachimeel]

This was an amazing read, thank you. Considering attending a local Armenian orthodox church and this is such a helpful primer!

[@Khorvalar]

Thanks for the post, I've been going to Protestant churches for about 15 years and have been thinking about visiting an Orthodox church. God bless!

[@eunicel5964]

You did such a beautiful job breaking everything down and explaining everything in an easy to understand way. Thank you!

[@Hope_Boat]

Very beautiful church. Δόξα σοι ο Θεός ☦

[@taqiyasir8086]

A beautiful Church! Praise the Lord.

[@FREEMAN....]

Beautiful ! Praise be the Lord From a Catholic with brotherly love ✝️🙏☦️

[@MrPrinceofallsaiyan]

Ive been interested on visiting an Orthodox church, but is by far the most intimidating for me

[@---zc4qt]

I visited a Greek Orthodox church on Dec. 25th a couple of years ago. The reverence in that church was faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar greater than any Protestant church I have ever been to.

[@MalachiFriedlund]

I'm attending Devine Liturgy tomorrow for the first time. Please pray for me

[@BKKS453]

Pray For me to gain confidence to attend.

[@Lyonessi]

I'm also attending a local russian orthodox church tomorrow. I intentionally did not do deep research because I don't want to conflate knowledge about God with the real experience of God. I think a church is a place for anybody with a soul, so I'm going to go alone with a open heart. God bless anyone reading this.

[@RobinFowler-j3r]

I am about to walk into an Orthodox Church for first time by myself. I love in SC . My first visit however was an Amazing Orthodox Church in Kansas with my Grandaughters and their Mother. It was so beautiful 🙏🏼🙏🏼❣️☦️☦️☦️

[@AshleyHorjus]

Absolutely beautiful! 🙏❤️

[@st.francis2146]

Ah California! Come join us in Northern California at St Andrew’s Fool for Christ church, then stop by Platina where St Hermans Monastery is! ❤ ☦️

[@frankhollidiaz6142]

My Priest (from St.Jacobs in Bend Oregon) is down at st.Hermans this week! I hope to make a pilgrimage down to the monastery some time this year.

[@st.francis2146]

@@frankhollidiaz6142 I jsut visited last Wednesday, it’s an hour away from where I live! There is truly an untold peace that is found there, and the skete nearby, the nuns and monks are amazing, they truly radiate God’s love!

[@clowniedragon]

This church is unbelievably gorgeous

[@CarlosVerdinOfficial]

I’m watching this after I just got out of my first orthodox service in Carlsbad California. I went in blind. I called the church to inquire about how to learn about orthodoxy, and the father is the one who answered and recognized my voice from a previous voicemail I left earlier. He invited me that day to the catechumen class then followed by a Saturday night service. Little did I know, I was left speechless by the end of the service. This was less than an hour ago. And now watching this video I’m like “OHHHHHHHHHHHHJ I GET IT NOW!” Lol. however , I’m left with only a gazillion questions like, who are all the saints in the icons all over the walls? Does everyone know who they all are? What in the world do I study from now until next Saturday? Anyhow, thank you for this video

[@nettyb00p20]

I’d be so lost without this youtube channel.😢 Thank you!

[@EncryptedGame]

Thank you in advance for opening many of our eyes lives sense and everything we feel see and understand interpret everything to understand your orthodoxy and holyness of the father and yourself and many others that worship our father God and Yeshua ❤

[@Theoretically-ko6lr]

Glory to God ❤

[@jacquelinechaves9244]

❤ my son didn't believe in God but God has call him through the Orthodox faith 🙏 he is now bringing me to the faith but at times I feel I'm not worthy of being an Orthodoxi, please for me to open my eyes. I have been a catholic and Baptist although I don't ever go to church. ❤❤❤

[@severianmonk7394]

Nobody is worthy of God's grace, so we are all in the same boat.

[@BKKS453]

Very beautiful!

[@aussiebloke51]

Concerning the Royal Doors - often they also include depictions of the four Evangelists and an icon of the Mystic Supper over the Doors. I had it explained to me in a Temple in Russia that we are living in the "gap" between the Incarnation (Mother of God Icon) and the Final Judgement (Christ Pantocrator Icon). In this "gap" we are fed by the Scriptures (Evangelist's icons) and we are fed by the Body and Blood of Christ (Mystic Supper Icon) and through the Royal Doors we are even now given glimpses of our homeland in heaven. (I'm not yet Orthodox but . . .)

[@winters556]

I went to my first orthodox liturgy today

[@BreachMcGuire]

I'm going to St Benedict Orthodox Church for the first time, pray for me, I'm pretty nervous/excited🙏

[@kolbycastor8301]

How did it go?

[@dwrod24]

Just beautiful!!! So happy I started going to the church and videos like this help so mich

[@rospil15]

very helpful, thank you

[@pepsiman9751]

Recently contacted a church to see if they can find anybody to drive me to it I hope they find someone

[@jackripperson6260]

I find your videos very valuable. I feel God pulling me to Him and learning about The Church, of Orthodox. The Way. The One and only Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. My wife and I grew up knowing nothing about orthodoxy in baptist/evangelical/non denominational churches. Please pray for us. We had turned away from Christianity, and my wife is still against it, while my heart is softened. She went through some traumatic experiences in the protestant church and her abusive ex husband who used his views of Christianity and conspiracy theories against her.

[@lunanovoa1268]

this video is highly informative and comprehensive, as well as comforting. i am going to my first service ever this weekend and I’m very nervous, but this calmed my nerves. thank you so much. God bless ❤

[@RyderHeiduk]

I live a Santa Ynez !!!! And I go to Saint aniuasias Orthodox Church in Goleta!!!

[@matthewheadland7307]

What a beautifully shot video.

[@deimonslagg1187]

Thank you. I visited some Orthodox churches in Bulgaria. They were beautiful, but I wondered where the people sat.

[@ArabicOrthodoxChants]

There's normally seats/or benches on the sides of the Churches.

[@markojovanovic8856]

God bless from Serbia! Do you use Church bells in the morning and eve..? Any legal isuess about that?

[@---zc4qt]

I have great respect for Orthodox churches. Is there a way I could e-mail a Greek Orthodox scholar and ask for help when it comes translating a few/several verses of the New Testament? Pause at 13:45. I have noticed that most Protestants show far more respect to kings and presidents than they do to God in churches.

[@CaribouDataScience]

When you venerate an icon, are you praying to the saint in the picture?

[@ashtonstired]

I want to attend an Orthodox Church and found two near me, both look very promising through their websites and photos. Only one is Greek and the other is Serbian, how do I decide which to attend? I'm not culturally related in anyway to either or even from the state where I live.

[@lornadoone8887]

Visit both. Meet the Priests and people. Every parish has its own character, so I think this may be the best way to see which one works best for you.

[@matthewnovak7351]

Definitely visit both and see which feels more comfortable. As a convert, you will likely be more comfortable at a parish that has a lot of fellow converts rather than a lot of cradle orthodox

[@Hope_Boat]

Pray God with confidence and He will guide your steps. In both you will be welcome. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ☦

[@st.francis2146]

I attend a Serbian Orthodox Church. No one here is Serbian.. I’d say visit both and see which one feels closer to home : )

[@cozzwozzle]

A central aspect to Orthodoxy is establishing a relationship with the priest, so when you attend both, make sure to ask to meet the priest after the service.

[@m0rgentraum]

I am blinded by heretical beliefs. Please pray for me, so I may see the truth!

[@PatrickShields-tx3dc]

I’m praying

[@m0rgentraum]

@@PatrickShields-tx3dc Thank you brother.

[@yaredhaile2859]

God blessing up on you we pray for you.

[@---zc4qt]

What beliefs are you struggling with?

[@GiftsAmimalsGiveUs]

I have been wanting to visit an Orthodox church. Were I live is only a Russian and Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The Ethiopian one only has a phone number and where it is located. I'm do a lot of praying to have Jesus guide me on the right path. I haven't seen any women speak about what it is like or do women not play the leader roles in these Churches? I will look it up.

[@DiMacky24]

Ethiopian church is not in communion with the Eastern Orthodox church. Women of course cannot be fathers, so cannot serve in the clergy or in the altar (convents are a notable exception). But, women do serve many other rolls in the church. Readers, chanters, choir directors, iconographers, prosphora bakers, candle and incense makers, dormition ministry, instructors of children and other roles. The spouse of each priest and deacon also has duties to the church, especially the women of the church.

[@GiftsAmimalsGiveUs]

@@DiMacky24 Wow, thanks for the info it was really helpful. I guess I can still check both out. Do more research on them also.

[@Mmlnk05]

I’m just wondering as a visitor of if I am supposed to venerate icons or not touch anything? Just trying to be respectful either way. Also if I should just leave during communion

[@jacobkeltz3584]

Just be respectful, but as long as you aren't hurting anything, feel free to venerate the icons! They are for the edification of all. The only thing that will really be required of you is to not approach the Eucharist if you are not a baptized member (I'm a catachumen so I still don't either and take what I say with a grain of salt). Just take that time to pray. Of course, if in doubt, you might want to double check with people at the church because every parish is a little different.

[@ownpetard8379]

I've posted a lengthy separate comment here on what a visitor may expect. While you may leave at any time, I recommend you stay to the end/dismissal. That way, you can go out where there is likely a coffee hour or other socialization of the community.

[@protestanttoorthodox3625]

☦️❤️

[@CenterPorchNP]

is this based on the three section design of the Jewish Temple

[@Nikolai.A.McGuire]

What am I allowed to do in the church if I'm not baptized, 15 year old guy.

[@handofthehigh]

Explore. If you can make it to one. Just look around see what the people are doing and pray. If possible ask a preist through email or in person from your nearest church what your next steps should be from where you are at. Are you ready to be a catecumen? Ask him if you can become one. That's the advice I can give. God bless.

[@Nikolai.A.McGuire]

@@handofthehigh Thank you! My Churches website has an email, I was thinking of asking to take the catecumen classes that they have and host on zoom.

[@angiekereakes6551]

How do the pre- catechumens participate once the portion for the Faithful / Holy Eucharist Mystery occurs? Are we to go to another part of the building, not yet to participate -- that we don't bring judgment upon ourselves. I am asking per following Fr. Peter Heers re The Reception of the Heterodox.

[@ownpetard8379]

I doubt many “mainline” Orthodox churches make any issue with this. Just be respectful.

[@angiekereakes6551]

@@ownpetard8379 we went yesterday .... hopefully we weren't taken as disrespectful...we are 'new' people and don't understand what we do!

[@ownpetard8379]

@@emilyharms456 You may be aware of this, but for others... In Greek Orthodox churches and perhaps others, a basket of blessed bread - antidoron - is available for the Faithful following communion. I imagine that is how you obtained the blessed bread. That same bread is available from the priest's hand (usually) following the dismissal. (I explain some of this in a separate comment here.) The antidoron - from anti 'instead of' and doron 'the gift(s)' - is bread NOT used in Holy Communion. It is blessed very quickly at the altar during the service. Now, if you ask why it is made available for those receiving communion, my guess would be that it is just another way - a very nice way - for the unused bread to be shared and therefore made use of. The same applies for the dismissal antidoron, but another reason is that in the Greek Orthodox church, in most liturgies, the priest hands something to the Faithful as they leave. If not bread, then a flower, bay leaves, a palm cross, a Paschal egg, etc.

[@angiekereakes6551]

@@emilyharms456 thank you. I will do as you did.

[@WisdomSeeker369]

☦️🔥🕊📿🙏

[@severianmonk7394]

I notice YTs where people say they are nervous about visiting a church for the first time. So ironic because Orthodox congregations are the most informal there are and devoid of studied decorum, especially on churches without pews. People move about with a degree of feedom that feels very natural. Visitors can easily blend into the crowd because no one is paying attention to them during the service. Also Orthodox are always minority in the westsnd they assume that strangers will show up for a variety of reaons and aren't surprised when it happens.

[@severianmonk7394]

And most important nobody is going to be suspicious or hostile. People are proud of the church, in a good way, which includes the building which in the US they often built with a struggle, and who knows how many bake sales and sometimes pouring concrete and laying bricks with their own hands. They like to show it off even if it isn't the most beautiful thing you have ever seen.

[@TessaSCHY]

If he returns in the east, which area if the world is it east of?

[@coldjello8436]

Algorithm boost.

[@spikestoyou]

Should’ve gotten some of your handsome catechumen in on this

[@johnsambo9379]

This guy has a liisp. I am guessing he is gay. That's ok. God still loves him.

[@jupiterinaries6150]

That’s very childish to say!

[@Iriscience]

He has a wife and children

[@severianmonk7394]

It is a scholarly style of speech. Sounds like a professor.

[@bryanhill6095]

Christ is King☦️