What to Expect

Welcome to St. Philip

If this is your first experience with Orthodox Christianity, you may notice that some things look and feel different from worship in other Christian traditions. That’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to know what to do or say before you come.

We are glad you are here. Come as you are, observe, participate as you feel comfortable, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Here are a few things that may be helpful to know before you visit.

What should I bring?

You don’t need to bring a Bible. The Sunday Scripture readings are printed in the bulletin, and you can follow the service using the service book available in the pews.

Our services are in English.

What should I wear?

There is no special dress code at St. Philip. Our parish is a diverse community, and you will see people dressed in many different ways. Some dress quite formally, while others dress more casually.

We encourage everyone to dress modestly and respectfully, generally with the same level of care you might use for work, school, or another important occasion.

Some Orthodox women choose to cover their heads during worship, while others do not. You are not expected to cover your head in order to visit or worship with us.

And wear comfortable shoes! We stand for much of the service, but if you need to sit, please sit. There is no need to worry about doing everything exactly as everyone else does.

What about children?

Children are very welcome at St. Philip. Please bring your whole family!

We want children to learn that the church is their home and to become comfortable in God’s House. Children participate in worship according to their age and ability, and we understand that little ones sometimes need to move around or step outside for a few moments.

Don’t worry if your child isn’t perfectly quiet or still. Kids are kids, and the services can seem long to little ones. We are happy to have them with us.

Do I have to sing?

Orthodox worship is highly musical. Much of the Divine Liturgy is sung, with the choir and chanters leading the congregation.

You are welcome to sing along, but you don’t have to know the music or the words when you first visit. Simply listen and participate as you are comfortable. The service book and the people around you will help you follow along.

Why are people making the sign of the Cross and bowing?

Orthodox Christians worship with our whole being—body as well as mind and spirit.

During the services you may see people making the sign of the Cross, bowing, kneeling, or raising their hands in prayer. These are physical expressions of our prayer and worship.

You are welcome to participate in these customs as you become familiar with them, but you don’t need to imitate everything you see on your first visit. Simply pray with us in whatever way is comfortable for you.

Can I receive Holy Communion?

Holy Communion is the center of Orthodox worship. Because receiving Communion expresses full communion in the Orthodox faith, Holy Communion is received by prepared Orthodox Christians who are in communion with the Orthodox Church.

If you are not Orthodox, please don’t feel that you are being excluded from worship. You are our honored guest, and we are grateful that you are here.

You are welcome to receive blessed bread at the conclusion of the service.

What happens after the service?

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, you are welcome to come forward to venerate the Cross. Orthodox Christians traditionally kiss the Cross as an expression of love and devotion to Christ and His saving work.

You may also see people kiss the priest’s hand as a sign of respect and affection for the priest’s ministry. You are welcome to follow these customs if you feel comfortable, but you are never required to do so.

Even if you don’t wish to kiss the Cross, please come forward anyway. We would love for one of our clergy to have the opportunity to meet you.

Please stay for fellowship

Following the Sunday services, we generally gather in the Parish Hall for refreshments and fellowship.

Please join us! It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet our parishioners, ask questions, and get to know St. Philip.

If you would like to learn more about the church, the icons, or Orthodox worship, please ask. We would also be happy to arrange a tour of the church and explain the icons and other things you see during worship.

Come and See

You don’t need to understand everything before you visit.

Come and see. Pray with us. Ask questions. And take your time getting to know the Orthodox Christian faith and the St. Philip community.

We look forward to welcoming you.