FAQs about the Liturgy

Our service, which we call the “Liturgy,” (meaning “the work of the people”) has one main focus: the Holy Eucharist (or Communion). In the Orthodox Christian Church, we believe that the during the Liturgy, the bread and wine of the Eucharist become the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The Eucharist is reserved for those who are baptized in the Orthodox Church. This is not at all an attempt to exclude people, so please enjoy the atmosphere of reverence as others walk down to receive Communion from the priest.

While the liturgical prayers we use may seem to take a long time, they have been preserved for over 1600 years and each prayer is intentional and full of theology. The center of our life as a church family is the Eucharist (Communion), and each prayer is also vital in preparing us to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Orthodox tradition, the congregation stands for most of the Liturgy, honoring the resurrection of Christ. The congregation also sits and bows at certain times. However, you are welcome to sit or stand whenever you like, or to follow the lead of those around you if you choose.

Don’t worry, we have it under control! The smoke you see and smell is actually the incense that the priest releases from the censor. In the Orthodox Church, incense represents prayers and repentance that ascend into heaven. Each time the priest uses the censor, your prayers and those of everyone in the Church are rising before the throne of God.

Traditionally, Coptic Orthodox Christians use cymbals and a triangle during the service to keep the tempo of some of the hymns, though the focus should always be on the content and words. You will also notice that much of the service is sung by the congregation. If you’re comfortable, please feel free to sing along! You might be noticing a trend-the Liturgy engages all five of our senses in one way or another.

The priest is assisted in the Liturgy by deacons, whose white robes remind us of angels. The priest, who normally wears only black, is dressed in white, gold, and red clothing. The Liturgy is the time that we worship God and come into His presence, as if we were worshipping Him in Heaven! Thus, it is fitting for those worshipping Him to wear fine garments.

It may seem odd at first, but the Orthodox often kiss things as an expression of love and sincere affection. We sometimes kiss the cross, icons (paintings) of Jesus or the saints, and a priest’s hand when greeting him (though this is certainly not necessary). The congregation even passes kisses to each other shortly after the sermon. You’ll hear the deacon say “Greet one another with a holy kiss…” (1 Peter 5:14). It’s not a secret handshake that only we know, don’t worry! If you like, just follow the lead of those around you, kissing your hands and reaching out to others. Exchanging the kiss of peace is a sign of the unity, peace, and love between us. After the Liturgy, there will also be time for coffee, chatting, and regular handshakes!

One part of Orthodox worship services is the remembrance and veneration of the saints, particularly the Virgin Mary. We often refer to her as “Theotokos,” which means “Mother of God.” We do not pray to saints, but we ask for their prayers on our behalf, just like someone might ask a friend to pray for him or her. The saints who have departed this world are still alive, and very much a part of our church.

Since Orthodox Churches are much more common outside the United States, you are likely to find that some Churches are still very close to their immigrant heritage and tend to hold services in their native languages. At St. Anianus Coptic Orthodox Church, we hold almost all of our services in English. That’s because we want to help link all different kinds of people in the community to Jesus Christ, sharing His truth and His love with all. Please feel free to ask any questions you might have!

Of course! Our doors are WIDE open to anyone and everyone. We all come with our imperfections, knowing that the grace of God can and will transform us.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Sunday morning liturgy lasts about 2 hours. We usually stand during the services, but there are pews and chairs where you can sit down to rest your feet. Beyond that, keep it simple and modest! Clothing should reflect the sacred nature of the church setting. Please note for men, women, and children of all ages: no shorts, sleeveless shirts/blouses, or form-fitting clothes; for women, dresses or skirts knee length or longer. Attire should be respectful and avoid drawing undue attention. Modest clothing covers the body appropriately, avoiding any attire that is too revealing or suggestive. Simple and neat clothing is preferred over flashy or overly elaborate attire. And please remember to take off your hat inside the building.

Before going to the Divine Liturgy to receive Communion, we typically do not eat or drink anything from when we go to sleep (or about 9 hours) if our health allows. Just as one would not spoil their appetite by eating before a special meal, so we sharpen our spiritual appetite for Christ through such fasting. Since we’re receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we think it’s really important to prepare ourselves spiritually for such an important event. It is understandable that people get hungry but please do not bring food or drink into the worship area. If you have a very specific and unique circumstance, please let Fr. Michael know beforehand and he will offer you advice. That being said, during the coffee break right after Liturgy, there will be coffee, tea, juice and light snacks available.

Be sure to shut off your phone before the service begins. If you have forgotten to turn it off after services have begun, please do so as quietly as you can.

Although young children will be attending a separate ministry during the time of the Link, we do believe that children should stand with their dad and mom or other responsible adult during the Divine Liturgy. Please do keep gentle control over your children. As all of us have either been former children, or are parents, or both, we understand that it is not always possible to keep control over children for long periods of time. Orthodox services can be a challenge for children who are not used to standing or sitting for a long period of time, and we recognize that with babies and toddlers, it can be an increased challenge. If you are having problems keeping your children from crying or behaving properly, do not feel embarrassed. Feel free to excuse yourself to the room in the back and then come back in when you can.

In the Coptic Orthodox Church we invite the people to participate by singing along, standing, sitting and signing themselves with the cross, as an outer sign of an inner reality. Although some of the hymns might be new to you, feel free to jump in. That will be the best way to learn, but please do avoid talking during the services. And of course, if you have questions, please write them down and we will be happy to answer them after the service is over.

We invite you to come forward to receive a blessing at the end of the service, but please do refrain from coming forward to receive Holy Communion if you are not Oriental Orthodox. Communion is a blessed sacrament in the Orthodox Church; it is not a symbolic act. For a variety of different reasons, our church fathers have restricted Communion only to those within the Oriental Orthodox Faith. That being said, we invite everyone present (including our Roman Catholic and Protestant visitors) to sing to the Risen Lord by standing in reverence and praising Jesus Christ.