NEW TO ORTHODOXY

Orthodox worship engages every sense. Sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste are all part of how we pray. What follows is an introduction to the elements you'll encounter at a Divine Liturgy.

Candles

It's impossible to imagine an Orthodox church without candles. Candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the world. Many people light them while saying a prayer for loved ones or in remembrance of those who have died. You'll see candle stands in the narthex where you can light a candle as an offering of prayer.

Donations for the candles are appreciated but not required. Funds raised through the candle stands help offset the cost of candles and other church expenses.

Incense

Incense has been used in worship since biblical times, symbolizing our prayers rising to heaven. If you're sensitive to incense, you might be more comfortable sitting toward the back of the church, where it's less concentrated. Any usher can help you find a more comfortable spot.

Chant

Orthodox worship is sung a cappella from beginning to end. The choir leads, and the congregation joins in familiar hymns. You don't need to know the music to participate; listening is a form of prayer. The Hymnal at your seat includes most of the music offered during the Divine Liturgy, should you want to sing along.

Icons

Icons are the images of Christ, the Theotokos, and the saints that fill an Orthodox church. The Greek word for "icon" is eikon, meaning image, and Orthodox theology takes seriously St. Paul's claim that Christ is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). Icons depict the human person transfigured by grace, helping us worship alongside the saints who already stand in His presence.

Orthodox Christians venerate icons by bowing, kissing, and lighting candles before them. Just as one might kiss a photograph of a beloved family member who is far away, we honor the person depicted in the icon. Many of the icons at Holy Apostles were painted (or written, in the Greek) by Fr. Tom.

Vestments

The vestments (robes) worn by our clergy are part of the worship tradition of the Church. Their colors change through the year: purple for Lent, white for Pascha, blue for feasts of the Theotokos, gold for many celebrations. The colors mark the seasons of the ecclesiastical year and the character of each one.