You are welcome here
Visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time can be a unique and wonderful experience — we're here to guide you so you can feel at home.
Whether you're new to church or coming from a different tradition, you are welcome here!
We're glad you're here. When you arrive, please feel free to walk into the church where everyone is standing. You'll notice the sights and sounds of people standing, candles burning, children wandering, perhaps the priest walking with a censer. It might feel a bit chaotic at first — and that's part of the beauty of our worship.
Worth a few minutes of your time
You may enjoy the widely published article 12 Things I Wish I'd Known (Before Visiting an Orthodox Church), originally written by the beloved Orthodox author Frederica Mathewes-Green.
What to expect
The services
The Divine Liturgy is served Sunday mornings at 10:00 am and lasts about an hour and a half. Nearly everything is sung or chanted, in English. Great Vespers is served Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm — a quieter, candlelit service and a gentle first taste of Orthodox worship.
Stand or sit anywhere
Feel free to stand or sit anywhere — except in the altar area, which is reserved for clergy and those assisting in the service. Most people stand for the duration of the service, but sitting is perfectly okay as well.
Don't worry about "fitting in"
Orthodox Christians should be focusing on their own prayer and worship, so you'll find a welcoming and understanding atmosphere. When in doubt, look around — you can usually figure out what to do by observing the people near you, or even whisper a question to a neighbour.
Join in as much as you like
You're welcome to sing or chant along — many parts of the service have a rhythm that makes it easy to follow. You can also cross yourself, or not: whatever feels comfortable for you.
The Great Entrance
Partway through the service, the priest will process through the church with the censer and Holy Gifts — the Great Entrance. Be sure to step to the side so you're not blocking his path.
Holy Communion
Communion in the Orthodox Church is received by Orthodox Christians who have prepared for it. As a visitor, you're warmly invited to share in the antidoron instead — see below.
Try the antidoron
After the Eucharist, near the end of the service, someone will almost certainly greet you and may offer you a piece of this blessed bread. It's offered as a gesture of hospitality and friendship, and everyone is welcome to enjoy it.
Children
Children of every age belong in the Liturgy — wiggles, noises, and wandering included. You will see families worshipping together; yours is welcome too.
Stay for fellowship
We almost always have a lunch or coffee hour following the service, and we'd love for you to join us for a meal and conversation.
“Don't judge anyone.” Fr. Thomas Hopko
And no one should be judging you either. Come as you are and feel at home.
Plan your visit
- Location
2364 Rosewall Crescent, Courtenay, BC V9N 8R9
- Great Vespers
Saturdays, 7:00 pm
- Divine Liturgy
Sundays, 10:00 am
- Questions?
We look forward to meeting you
We hope you'll join us for worship and fellowship. Welcome to our community! Check the calendar for this week's services.
Service Calendar