Visiting St. Andrew

Nicene Creed

What to Expect When You Visit

The Divine Liturgy

Roughly equivalent to Mass in the Roman Catholic Church, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated at St. Andrew every Sunday at 9:45 am. The structure is similar to that of the liturgical western churches (Roman, Anglican, Lutheran, etc.), but the texts are completely different and much more elaborate.

If you arrive early, you'll typically find that the service has already started; don't be alarmed, it's the earlier service, Matins, that is finishing up. You'll hear bells chime to indicate the otherwise seamless transition from Matins to the Divine Liturgy. You'll notice that the lights are turned up a bit, too.

If you arrive a little bit late, that's no big deal, but you'll have to deal with...

Standing

In the Orthodox tradition, the people typically stand throughout the entire liturgy, except during the reading of the Epistle and during the sermon. That's why most traditional Orthodox churches have no pews at all, just an open space where the congregants stand. At St. Andrew, we have some pews in the back for the elderly, the infirm and those of our visitors who might lack the practice required...

You should be aware that Orthodox services last a little longer than most of the Western tradition: typically 1 1/2 hours. Come early if you want to be assured of a seat. We'd encourage you to stand as much as possible, and definitely during all processions and for the reading of the Gospel.

It is not Orthodox tradition to kneel at any time during the Liturgy on Sundays.

Sign of the Cross

The Orthodox make the Sign of the Cross a lot, at least in church. Unlike some western churches, the Orthodox Sign is always done across the entire upper body, starting at the forehead, down to the abdomen, then from the right shoulder across to the left. The Sign is made with the right hand, holding the first three fingers together to symbolize the Trinity, while the fourth and fifth fingers are pressed against the palm of the hand to symbolize the two natures of Christ.

Typically, the Sign is made at every mention of the Trinity (such as "... in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..."), but some will do it at other occasions, too.

Music

A couple of things about Orthodox musical tradition are likely to surprise you: first, there is no organ or any trumpets, nor will you find harps or violins. There certainly isn't a rock band. All hymns are sung a capella, lead by the choir.

Second, the priest or the deacon will sing or chant pretty much everything else, with responses sung by the choir and the people. There is very little that is read, including biblical texts. The sermon and the Creed are pretty much the only things we don't sing or chant.

You will also notice that there is no book of hymns available. That's because there are very few variations from week to week in what is sung. The variable hymns are short enough to be printed in the weekly flyer. While this may seem boring at first, as time goes by you are likely to find that knowing the entire service by heart (which will happen) allows you to focus more on worshipping God as you spend less time trying to follow a book. However, the melodies for some hymns do change from time to time; the Orthodox Church has several musical traditions to draw upon: Greek, Russian, Arabian, Western.

Incense

The Orthodox Church as always used incense as a spiritual tool. The rising smoke from the burning represents our prayers rising to God. It is often ridiculed as "smells and bells," a show devoid of meaning, but that attitude only displays the ignorance of the speaker. Using all five senses to seek communion with God is to affirm that God's physical creation is good, that Man is material as well as spiritual. The sweet smell may be irritating at first, but it only takes a few visits before one finds it hard to imagine worship without it.

Venerating Icons

The icons that are on display throughout the church are not just there to make the church interior more beautiful. They have a direct spiritual significance, teaching and reminding us of events from the Gospels or the life of saints of the Church. Orthodox members of the church will bow down before some of the icons, and then press their lips against the feet or hands of the icons. Some will place candles behind or beside the icons, to further honor the icon.

It is this very elaborate display that is so easily misunderstood as idolatry, but it is not the case. Even the most devout Protestant will do ritualistic things such as honoring the flag, place his or her hand over her heart as the National Anthem is sung, or place candles in a birthday cake. While culturally distinct, veneration of icons is no more worship of idols than is the Pledge of Allegiance.

Closed Communion

The Orthodox Church emphatically believes that in order to partake of the Eucharist, the very body and blood of Christ, one has to share the beliefs of the Church regarding it. This, in the teaching of the Church, means nothing less than being a full member of the Orthodox Church.

Therefore, you may not receive Communion in an Orthodox Church unless you are an Orthodox Christian and have prepared yourself through confession, prayer and fasting. While this may seem harsh and uninviting to most mainstream Protestants, it is a direct result of the difference in doctrine regarding the Eucharist. It is also important to realize that it is only in the last few decades that most Protestant churches have started practicing open communion and some still forbid it.

Fellowship Hour

Most Sundays, there's a fellowship hour after the Liturgy. We strongly encourage you to join us for a light lunch. You don't have to worry about a hard sell to join the parish -- that's not the approach the Orthodox Church has ever taken or will ever take. Instead, you will just find a great opportunity to meet some of the parish members socially, and maybe ask questions of the clergy.