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In the Orthodox Church, there are many
customs and traditions, which are an important part of our
worship. Some are cultural and some are pious customs.
Some are essential and some are not.
LIGHTING CANDLES
Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship.
We light them as we pray, making an offering to accompany
our prayer. The Orthodox typically light candles when
coming into the Church.
There are times, though, when candles should not be
lit. It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle
and Gospel Readings, during the Little or Great Entrances,
the Sermon, and most of the times when the faithful are
standing. If in doubt, a church usher is available to guide
you.
THE
IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY
The time to arrive at Church is before the service starts.
If you arrive after the Divine Liturgy begins, try to enter
the Church quietly and observe what is happening. If the
Epistle or Gospel is being read or the Little or Great
Entrance is taking place, wait until it is finished then
quickly find a seat. If Father is giving the Sermon, stay
in the back until he has concluded.
Try not to interrupt the Liturgy by your entrance.
The best way to avoid this situation is to arrive on time.
"LET
US ATTEND"
In the Orthodox cultures, crossing one's legs is taboo and
considered very disrespectful. In our North American
culture, while there are no taboos, we tend to cross our
legs to get comfortable when sitting. Crossing one's legs
in church is not permitted, not because it is 'wrong' but
rather because it is too casual and relaxed for being in
church.
Remember, sitting in church is a concession, not the
normative way of prayer. You surely do not want to get too
relaxed and let your minds drift. In fact, when you do sit
in church, you should sit attentively. Keep feet on the
floor, ready to stand at attention, which is what "let us
attend" means.
EXCESSIVE COSMETICS
Women who wear lipstick to church should blot their lips
well before venerating an icon; receiving Communion; kissing
the Cross; or a priest's or bishop's hand.
DURING
CHURCH SERVICES COMMUNICATE WITH GOD . . . ONLY
Wait until coffee hour to say "Hi" to friends and family
members. It is not appropriate to greet people and have
conversations during the services.
Talk to God while in church through your prayers,
hymns, and thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear from you.
LEAVING BEFORE DISMISSAL
Leaving church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing.
Worship has a beginning, "Blessed is the Kingdom . . ."
and an end "Let us depart in peace . . .".
To leave immediately after Communion is to
treat the church like a restaurant where we come and go as
we please.
VENERATING ICONS
When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate the
icons. Usually, there are icons at the entrance to the
church and many churches have icon stands in the front as
well.
When venerating (kissing) the icon, please be aware
that it is improper to kiss an icon on the face.
HANDLING THE HOLY BREAD (ANDIDERON)
After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine
Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread (andideron)
-- the bread that was left over after Holy Communion was
prepared. While andideron is not Holy Communion, it is
blessed bread, and as such, it should be eaten
carefully so that crumbs do not fall.
Both adults and children should always remember
to treat and consume the andideron with respect.
ATTIRE: USING GOOD JUDGEMENT
When attending services, there are those who
feel that God will accept us regardless of our attire. Yes,
God does accept us as we are, but what are we doing to
prepare ourselves for Him? This is why we must take
proper care in what we wear. We need not be dressed 'fancy'
as to impress others. We need to be dressed 'respectfully'
to present ourselves to God. Preferably, the women
should wear dresses and the men should wear suits or
semi-formal attire during the summer season.
From time to time, medical or other reasons arise
which may prohibit the wearing of certain clothing. You
should use your good judgment when these situations arise.
Speaking with your priest will help also.
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