Welcome to St. George!

Are the services only for a certain ethnicity or only for baptized Orthodox Christians?

No. Everyone is welcome to participate in our services as well to join us in our fellowship and outreach activities. If you have found yourself “at home” in our church, we encourage you to explore the faith further with catechism classes and eventually Baptism, so that you can fully participate in the sacramental life of the church and the fullness of the Orthodox faith.

Can I bring my children?

Absolutely. We love children and encourage them to attend all services. Don’t worry if they are wiggly. It is new for them as well, and they are just acting their age. If they become rambunctious, you can take them to the narthex (entry) area until they are ready to return.

Is there a dress code?

If this is your first time at our church, please participate in the service as you came. We encourage all the faithful to dress modestly and as they would if they were attending any very special event, for this is the most special place of all – God’s house.

What if I am late? Can I enter the church after the service has started?

Yes, but we do encourage all the faithful to make their best effort to be on time for the services. There are certain moments during the service that it is best to wait before entering the church. One of our greeters will be happy to assist you. Otherwise, feel free to quietly enter and find a seat when you arrive.

Where do I sit?

Feel free to sit anywhere you’d like.

Lighting Candles, Kissing Icons, Crossing Ourselves, Standing/sitting – What is that all about?

As a quick synopsis, we light candles to offer our prayers to God; we have icons in the church to surround ourselves with the “cloud of witness” (Hebrews 12:1) and kiss icons out of respect to those most holy saints that have gone before us; we cross ourselves as another sign of prayer and at the mention of the Holy Trinity; we stand at the most reverent parts of the service (some faithful choose to stand for the entirety of the service). Feel free to follow along with the other parishioners with any of these traditions, or to ask questions afterward. With Orthodoxy, the more you understand the significance of our traditions, the more that they make sense and draw you further into your worship and prayer life.

Is there a service book I can follow?

There are service books in the pockets in the pew in front of your seat. If you arrive for Liturgy on Sunday mornings, pick up a bulletin in the narthex before you enter the nave (the worship area) for special hymns and the bible readings of the day.

Can I take communion?

The Eucharist (communion) in the Orthodox Church is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves. We all need to prepare ourselves appropriately to receive the Eucharist, which unifies us all in our faith, with each other, and with God.

How can I ask questions and learn more about the faith?

Please see our priest or deacons after the service, and they will be happy to answer your questions. If they are unavailable, any parishioner would be happy to answer questions or guide you to the right place.

How do I join the church?

Our priest can help you on your journey.