The Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship in the Orthodox Christian Church. It is where the Church gathers as the Body of Christ to worship God, hear His Word, offer our prayers and thanksgiving, and receive the Holy Eucharist.

The word liturgy means “the work of the people.” In the Divine Liturgy, we do not simply watch something taking place at the front of the church. We pray, sing, listen, respond, offer ourselves to God, and participate together in the worship of the Church.

The Divine Liturgy has two principal movements. In the first, we gather around the Word of God, hearing the Scriptures and offering our prayers. In the second, we gather around the Holy Eucharist, giving thanks to God and receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Divine Liturgy is more than a service we attend. It is an entrance into the worship of heaven and a participation in the life of Christ. Through the prayers, hymns, Scripture, and Holy Eucharist, we are drawn more deeply into communion with God and with one another as His Church.

When We Celebrate the Divine Liturgy

At St. Philip, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 10:00 a.m., following Matins. Divine Liturgy is also celebrated on many of the great Feasts of the Church throughout the year.

Please see our [Calendar] for the current schedule of services.

Receiving Holy Communion

Holy Communion is the center and culmination of the Divine Liturgy. Because receiving the Eucharist is an expression of full communion in the Orthodox faith, Holy Communion is received by prepared Orthodox Christians who are in communion with the Orthodox Church.

We are grateful to have visitors and guests worship with us. If you are not Orthodox, we invite you to participate fully in the prayers and worship of the Liturgy. At the conclusion of the service, guests are welcome to come forward to venerate the Cross and receive the blessed bread that is distributed to the faithful.

If you have questions about Orthodox worship or receiving Holy Communion, please feel free to speak with the priest.

After the Liturgy

Following Sunday Divine Liturgy, we generally gather in the Parish Hall for Coffee Hour. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet one another, enjoy some fellowship, and welcome our visitors.

We invite you to come and see, pray with us, and experience the beauty of Orthodox worship.