Visiting for the first time
You don't need to know anything to walk through our doors
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him… Come and see.
— John 1:45-46
Whether you're Orthodox and new to the area, exploring the faith for the first time, or just curious what a Sunday here looks like, we're glad you're thinking of joining us. Here's everything you need to know beforehand, so you can spend your first visit simply being present.
You won't be asked to stand up, introduce yourself, or do anything but watch if that's all you want to do. There's no moment in the service where visitors are singled out. Come, sit or stand where you like, leave when you need to, no one will think it's strange, and no one is keeping track.
ORTHROS BEGINS
8:15AM
DIVINE LITURGY
9:30AM
SERVICE LENGTH
~2 hours
Before you arrive
Nothing here is a rule you'll be quizzed on, just what's helpful to know ahead of time.
When to come
Orthros (Matins) begins at 8:15AM and flows directly into the Divine Liturgy at 9:30AM. It's completely fine to arrive at 9:30AM rather than 8:15AM, many parishioners do.
What to wear
There's no dress code. Most people dress modestly and comfortably, think "nice casual" to "church clothes." Come as you are; we'd rather see you than have you stay home over an outfit.
Parking & entrance
Parking is available near the church at 1260 Davis St. Greeters near the entrance are happy to point you toward a seat and answer questions.
Bringing children
Children are always welcome, including the noise and movement that come with them. If you need to step out for a moment, there's no judgment, parents do it all the time.
ONE THING WORTH KNOWING
Lighting a candle
Near the entrance you'll find candles available to light, this is one of the first things many people do on entering an Orthodox church. The lit candle is a small, physical prayer, a way of offering your attention, a petition, or a name to God. Some people light one in silence, others quietly say a name or an intention as they do it, for someone they love, someone who's struggling, or someone who has passed away. There's no required prayer and no wrong way to do it. If you'd rather not, that's completely fine too, it's an invitation, not an expectation.
A small donation box sits nearby if you'd like to contribute. There's no set amount, and no one is watching or keeping track. Give what feels right to you.
Inside the service
Orthodox worship engages every sense. A few things that surprise first-time visitors:
Standing
Much of the service is done standing, it's a posture of reverence, not endurance. Chairs are available, and sitting when you need to is completely fine.
Movement
Don't be surprised to see people quietly venerating icons, lighting candles, or moving around during the service. There's no single "correct" way to participate, just settle in and observe at your own pace.
Incense
Incense is used throughout the Liturgy as a symbol of prayer rising to God. If you have sensitivities, sitting toward the back or near a door is a good option.
Chanting and language
Almost everything is chanted rather than spoken, and you'll hear a mix of English and Greek. You don't need to follow every word to take part in the worship.
Icons
The images throughout the church aren't decoration, they're understood as windows into the presence of Christ and the saints, and are treated with reverence rather than worshiped.
THE ONE THING WORTH KNOWING BEFOREHAND
About Holy Communion
Communion at all Orthodox Christian churches, including Saint Nicholas, is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians in good standing with the Church - a practice that goes back to the ancient Church, not a judgment of anyone present. If this is your first time hearing about it, please don't feel singled out; it's simply explained ahead of time so no one feels caught off guard.
All visitors - Orthodox or not - are warmly invited to come forward at the end of the Liturgy to receive the antidoron, the blessed bread, offered to everyone as a sign of fellowship and welcome.
After the service
Stay for coffee hour
Following the Liturgy, we gather for coffee and fellowship, this is genuinely the easiest place to meet people and ask questions. Please consider staying, even for a few minutes. Introduce yourself to anyone, this is a small enough parish that a new face is noticed warmly, not awkwardly.
What is Orthodox Christianity?
The Orthodox Church traces its roots directly to the Apostles and the early Christian Church, largely unchanged in its core worship and teaching for nearly two thousand years. It's part of the same family as Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, but developed along its own path, centered on the Divine Liturgy, the sacraments, and a lived, sensory experience of faith rather than a primarily intellectual one.
Saint Nicholas is a Greek Orthodox parish, meaning our worship carries Greek language, music, and cultural heritage, but you don't need any connection to Greece or Greek culture to belong here. We welcome everyone as part of the Body of Christ.
Read more about our faith
Have a question before Sunday?
We'd genuinely rather answer it now than have you wonder about it during the service. Reach out any time, no question is too basic.
Contact the church office
Questions people are often too polite to ask
Do I have to be Greek?
Not at all. While our parish carries Greek heritage and language, Orthodoxy itself isn't tied to any one ethnicity. We have parishioners from many backgrounds, and everyone is genuinely welcome.
Can I take photos or video during the service?
We'd ask you to keep phones away and refrain from photos during the service itself, out of reverence for worship, but feel free to take photos of the church and iconography before or after the Liturgy.
Is childcare available?
We don't offer formal childcare during the service, children are considered part of the congregation, not something to be separated out.
What if I don't know when to stand, sit, or cross myself?
Simply follow along with those around you, or don't, there's no wrong way to be present. No one is tracking whether you get it "right."
I'm not sure I believe any of this yet. Is it still okay to come?
Yes. Many people visit Orthodox churches long before - or without ever - deciding to formally join. You're welcome to simply observe, ask questions, and take as much time as you need.
Who can I talk to if I want to learn more?
Reach out to the church office any time, or introduce yourself to Fr. James or Fr. Nebojsa at coffee hour, they're always glad to talk with newcomers, no matter how many (or how few) questions you have.