Visitor's Info
Are non-Orthodox visitors welcome?
Yes, of course! Anyone who wishes to learn about Coptic Orthodox Christianity is welcome. In planning your visit, please email Fr. Bishoy at [email protected] or call ahead of time, and he will arrange for someone to greet you. We have books available with the text of the prayers for the Divine Liturgy, as well as a presentation at the front of the church that will guide you through the Liturgy. You can also simply enjoy the service and let your heart and mind enter into the spirit of the Church's ancient worship of God. Following the Sunday service, you are invited to join us for coffee and get to know our parish members and meet our priest.
New visitors will find there are many new experiences in a Coptic Orthodox Church service. Feel free to go at your own pace, ask any questions and know that you are most welcome to come and join.
How long are the services?
On Sunday mornings, the Matins are celebrated before the Divine Liturgy from 8:30-9:00 AM. Following, the Divine Liturgy is approximately 2 1/2 hours in length, and the Distribution of the Mystery of the Eucharist (Communion) from 11:30-12:00 PM. We understand this may seem like a very long service, but while following the Liturgy and focussing on the prayers and the story of Salvation, time passes quickly.
Is there a dress code?
The general rule for men and women is to dress appropriately, modestly and respectfully as before the living God. We ask that you not wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, low-cut or strapless dresses (unless covered by a sweater).
Is child care provided?
All children are welcome and encouraged to attend our services. Each parent is responsible to take care of their child. While the children may not fully grasp the depth of the service, seeing the icons, smelling the incense, and hearing the chants are important parts of the child's spiritual development. If your baby or child becomes fussy, talkative, or loud, please step out of the church until he or she is ready to return quietly.
What is the significance of lighting the candles?
Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship and piety. We light candles as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayers. Orthodox Christians typically light candles when coming into the church. Candles should not be lit during the Epistle or Gospel readings, or during the sermon. You do not have to be an Orthodox Christian to light a candle and pray!
Can a non-Orthodox person receive the Holy Eucharist (Communion)?
Orthodox priests may only serve the Holy Eucharist to baptized members who regularly confess, and who participate in the Church fasts, especially before partaking of the Holy Eucharist. These traditions are ancient and have been part of the Holy church for over 2,000 years. The Orthodox Church understands the Holy Eucharist as a mystery of the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We ask that you respect this and join us for the ancient, apostolic tradition in receiving the Eulogia (blessed bread) at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
What are Orthodox worship hymns like?
About 75% of the traditional Coptic Orthodox Liturgy involves congregational singing. Coptic Christians do not use musical instruments with the exception of the cymbals and triangle, which are used simply to keep musical time. Hymns are usually in coptic or English.
Yes, of course! Anyone who wishes to learn about Coptic Orthodox Christianity is welcome. In planning your visit, please email Fr. Bishoy at [email protected] or call ahead of time, and he will arrange for someone to greet you. We have books available with the text of the prayers for the Divine Liturgy, as well as a presentation at the front of the church that will guide you through the Liturgy. You can also simply enjoy the service and let your heart and mind enter into the spirit of the Church's ancient worship of God. Following the Sunday service, you are invited to join us for coffee and get to know our parish members and meet our priest.
New visitors will find there are many new experiences in a Coptic Orthodox Church service. Feel free to go at your own pace, ask any questions and know that you are most welcome to come and join.
How long are the services?
On Sunday mornings, the Matins are celebrated before the Divine Liturgy from 8:30-9:00 AM. Following, the Divine Liturgy is approximately 2 1/2 hours in length, and the Distribution of the Mystery of the Eucharist (Communion) from 11:30-12:00 PM. We understand this may seem like a very long service, but while following the Liturgy and focussing on the prayers and the story of Salvation, time passes quickly.
Is there a dress code?
The general rule for men and women is to dress appropriately, modestly and respectfully as before the living God. We ask that you not wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, low-cut or strapless dresses (unless covered by a sweater).
Is child care provided?
All children are welcome and encouraged to attend our services. Each parent is responsible to take care of their child. While the children may not fully grasp the depth of the service, seeing the icons, smelling the incense, and hearing the chants are important parts of the child's spiritual development. If your baby or child becomes fussy, talkative, or loud, please step out of the church until he or she is ready to return quietly.
What is the significance of lighting the candles?
Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship and piety. We light candles as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayers. Orthodox Christians typically light candles when coming into the church. Candles should not be lit during the Epistle or Gospel readings, or during the sermon. You do not have to be an Orthodox Christian to light a candle and pray!
Can a non-Orthodox person receive the Holy Eucharist (Communion)?
Orthodox priests may only serve the Holy Eucharist to baptized members who regularly confess, and who participate in the Church fasts, especially before partaking of the Holy Eucharist. These traditions are ancient and have been part of the Holy church for over 2,000 years. The Orthodox Church understands the Holy Eucharist as a mystery of the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We ask that you respect this and join us for the ancient, apostolic tradition in receiving the Eulogia (blessed bread) at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
What are Orthodox worship hymns like?
About 75% of the traditional Coptic Orthodox Liturgy involves congregational singing. Coptic Christians do not use musical instruments with the exception of the cymbals and triangle, which are used simply to keep musical time. Hymns are usually in coptic or English.
