About Our Faith
Discover Orthodox Christianity — the faith once delivered to the saints
Explore the Orthodox Faith
What is Orthodoxy?
The Orthodox Church traces its roots to Pentecost — the living continuation of the Church founded by Christ and His Apostles, unchanged across two millennia.
Learn More →Saint Nicholas of Myra
Our patron saint, the 4th-century Bishop of Myra, known for his generosity, his defense of the faith at Nicaea, and his enduring witness to Christian charity.
Read More →Come and See
The best way to understand Orthodoxy is to experience it. You are warmly welcome at any of our services — no preparation required.
Plan Your Visit →What is Orthodox Christianity?
The Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church. That isn't a marketing claim. It is a historical one. The Church you find here on Sunday morning is the same Church founded by Christ and His Apostles at Pentecost, the same Church the New Testament was written within, the same Church that defined the Christian faith at the seven Ecumenical Councils between the 4th and 8th centuries. Nothing essential has been added. Nothing essential has been taken away.
Continuity
When you walk into an Orthodox Liturgy, you are praying the same prayers, in substantially the same form, that Christians have prayed for nearly two thousand years. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, the service celebrated most Sundays, was given its present shape in the 4th century. The same hymns. The same Creed, unchanged since 381 AD. The same understanding of the Eucharist as the real Body and Blood of Christ, given for the life of the world.
Sacramental Life
Orthodox Christianity is not primarily a set of ideas to be agreed with. It is a life to be lived, through Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Communion, Marriage, Holy Unction, and Ordination. These are not symbols. They are the actual means by which God works in our lives, ordinary matter (water, oil, bread, wine) made holy by the Holy Spirit and offered back to us as grace.
Worship
Orthodox worship engages the whole person: eyes, ears, voice, body, soul. Icons surround you. Incense rises. The choir sings ancient hymns. The priest moves in procession. You stand, bow, cross yourself. Worship is not something you watch. It is something you enter into.
The Goal
The aim of the Christian life, as the Orthodox Church teaches it, is theosis, union with God. Not becoming God by nature (that belongs to God alone), but becoming partakers of the divine nature, transformed by grace into the likeness of Christ. This is what we mean by salvation: not merely being forgiven, but being made whole, made holy, made fully human as God created us to be.
A Living Tradition
The Orthodox Church is not a museum. The faith is ancient, but the people are alive: your neighbors, your coworkers, families with children, converts and cradle Orthodox alike. We are imperfect. We are still learning. We are walking the same path the saints walked, leaning on the same prayers, fed by the same sacraments.
Church Etiquette
If this is your first time at an Orthodox service, you don't need to do anything special. Sit, stand, watch, listen. No one will quiz you, and no one will single you out. The notes below are simply meant to help you feel oriented, not to set hurdles in your way.
Arriving
Try to arrive a few minutes before the service begins. If you walk in late, that's fine. Find a seat quietly and join in. Avoid moving during the Gospel reading, the Entrances, the consecration, or the homily.
Dress
Modest and comfortable. There is no dress code. Most parishioners come in business casual or Sunday clothes; some more formal, some less. Wear what allows you to focus on worship rather than on yourself.
Standing & Sitting
Orthodox worship traditionally happens standing, but pews are provided and you are welcome to sit when you need to. Stand during the Gospel, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the consecration. Otherwise, follow those around you, or do what is comfortable.
Crossing & Venerating
You'll see parishioners cross themselves, bow, and kiss icons. None of this is required of visitors. If you'd like to participate, you're welcome to. If you'd rather observe, that's equally welcome.
Phones
Please silence your phone before the service begins. Photography during the Liturgy is discouraged, but you're welcome to take photos of the church before or after.
Holy Communion
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Communion is offered to those who have prepared through the Orthodox sacramental life of confession, fasting, and prayer. If you are not Orthodox, please do not approach the chalice. You are warmly invited to come forward at the end of the Liturgy to receive antidoron, the blessed bread shared with everyone.
Children
Children are not just tolerated, they belong. Babies cry, toddlers wander, and that's part of parish life. If you need a quiet moment, the narthex at the back of the church is a good place to step out.
Questions
Fr. Mykola, Dn. Dave, and the parishioners around you are happy to help. If you're unsure what's happening, ask. There is no wrong question.
Common Questions
Do I need to be Orthodox to visit?
No. Anyone is welcome at any service. You don't need to register, sign in, or announce yourself.
Will I be asked to do anything?
No. You can sit quietly the entire service and no one will approach you about it. If you'd like to participate (cross yourself, bow, light a candle), you're welcome to. If you'd rather observe, that's equally welcome.
How long is the service?
Sunday Divine Liturgy is about 90 minutes. Saturday evening Vespers is about 45 minutes.
What language is it in?
Almost entirely English. A small portion is occasionally in Slavonic or Greek, depending on the day.
Can I take Communion?
Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared through confession and fasting. If you are not Orthodox, you are warmly invited to come forward at the end of the Liturgy to receive antidoron, blessed bread shared with everyone.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely. Children belong in the church, noise and all. The narthex at the back of the church is a good place to step out if needed.
What should I wear?
Modest and comfortable. There is no dress code.
I'm not Christian. Can I still come?
Yes. Anyone seeking is welcome. Come, observe, ask questions. Faith doesn't begin with certainty. It begins with curiosity.
How do I become Orthodox?
Talk with Fr. Mykola. The path into the Church is a personal one and begins with conversation, not paperwork.
Questions About the Faith?
Fr. Mykola and Dn. Dave are always happy to speak with visitors and inquirers. Whether you have theological questions, want to learn about becoming Orthodox, or simply want to talk — please reach out.
Contact Fr. Mykola
Reach out via the contact page or call (630) 559-5785 — all inquiries welcome