A Warm Welcome
We're glad you are here. And we hope you will visit us in person.
Whether you come out of curiosity, prayer, searching or simply because someone invited you, we want you to know that you are welcome. We invite you to take your time. You are free to observe, to listen, to pray quietly, or simply be present. Our parish is a community learning to live the Christian life together, and we believe that welcome is shown best through patience, kindness and care.
However you arrive - new to Orthodoxy, returning after some time away, or just visiting - you are honored as our guest. We hope your time at Saint Nikolai feels peaceful and rooted in genuine hospitality.
What to expect
When you arrive
When you arrive at Saint Nikolai, you may notice that the space feels alive with prayer. People may be standing, lighting candles, venerating icons, or quietly preparing themselves for worship. You are welcome to enter and take your time - there is no need to rush or know exactly what to do.
Stand Up
In the Orthodox tradition, the proper posture of prayer is standing through nearly the entirety of the service, with the exception of the homily (sermon). In our parish you will not see any pews but rather chairs. We should all strive to stand for the Divine Services. However, if anyone needs to sit during the services, it is ok to do so.
During the Service
Orthodox worship takes time. If there is a longer way to say something the Orthodox will find it. The typical Sunday Divine Liturgy (which begins at 9:30 AM) takes about one hour and 30 minutes to complete, depending on how long communion takes. The service of the hours (which begins at 9:10 AM takes about 20 minutes, and is meant to help prepare us for the Liturgy itself)
Holy Communion
Following the ancient practices of Christianity, we practice closed communion in the Orthodox Church. Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer, fasting and repentance. Visitors are invited to remain while Communion is distributed. Someone in the church is likely to give you a piece of ‘blessed bread.’ This is not Communion and you are welcome to partake of the bread given to you.
Children
Children are a natural and welcome part of worship at Saint Nikolai and a sign of a living parish family. Parents are encouraged to care for their children as needed and simply step outside if babies begin crying or children need a break.
Dress Code
We ask those attending services to dress modestly and respectfully, in a way that reflects the reverence of worship. We dress modestly, not in a flashy or provocative way that brings attention to ourselves.