What to Expect
Upon entering Holy Resurrection, the first thing many
people notice is either the iconography or the incense.
Our walls are covered in holy images
(icons)
which illustrate that we are surrounded by a ‘great cloud of witnesses’ (Hebrews 12.1).
When we enter into worship we do not worship alone but come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God in the heavenly Jerusalem where innumerable angels and righteous saints worship God with us.
(Hebrews 12.21-24).
The incense is the
prayers of the saints
(Psalm 140.2 [141.2]; Revelation 5.8).
Additionally, it reminds us that worship is not a mental exercise, but involves our bodies including the five senses. Christ was incarnate as a man and both our bodies and souls are redeemed by his incarnation.
Church Etiquette
Adapted from "Church Etiquette or Some Things You Should Know While in Church" by Father David Barr. This guide is meant for personal reflection, not as a means of judging others.
Children
Where should the children be on Sunday mornings? This might just be the most controversial of all these etiquette questions. There are a lot of opinions on this, but it seems that the church has been fairly clear throughout its history.
Baptized children are full members of the church, they are communicants, and thus are welcome and encouraged to be in church. Our Lord told us, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14). Children have the same right as adults to be in church, and we should always encourage them to be there.
As they become used to being in church, their behavior will get better. Bring some soft toys or books for your children to play with (we have some in the narthex of our church for the kids). If they start to cry or scream, take them out for a few minutes and let them settle down. But encourage them to be in church so that they too may worship the Holy Trinity and experience "how good the Lord is."
Crossing Oneself
Cross yourself when you hear "Father, Son and Holy Spirit," "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us," and "Most Holy Theotokos." Also, cross yourself at the beginning and end of liturgical services and in your private prayers; before venerating an icon; entering or exiting the church, and when passing in front of the Holy Altar Table.
Lighting Candles
It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle or Gospel readings, during the Little or Great Entrance, and the sermon.
Holy Communion
As it is a Holy Sacrament of the Church, you must be a baptized, chrismated Orthodox Christian, who has prepared him/herself through fasting. As you approach the Chalice, cross your arms (right over left) and pick up small children to prevent Father from leaning forward with the Holy Communion.
Standing vs. Sitting
Stand during the Gospel reading, the Little and Great Entrances, the Anaphora, the distribution of Holy Communion, whenever the priest gives a blessing or is censing, and the Dismissal. You should not turn your back to the Holy Altar Table.
Crossing Legs
In some Orthodox cultures, crossing one's legs is taboo and considered to be very disrespectful. Should we cross our legs in church? No. Not because it is "wrong" to ever cross legs, but rather because it is too casual—and too relaxed for being in church.
Handling the Holy Bread (Antidoron)
After receiving Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of holy bread or antidoron—the bread that was left over after Holy Communion was prepared. While antidoron is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread, and as such should be eaten carefully so that crumbs do not fall. Both adults and children should always remember to treat and consume the antidoron with respect.
Entering Church Late
Please do not enter the nave if the Little or Great Entrance is taking place, Father is reading the Epistle or Gospel, is censing, or giving the sermon. Stay in the narthex until he has concluded. If in doubt, check with one of the ushers to see if it is a good time to seat yourself. Once Divine Liturgy has started, please do not walk down the center aisle.
In and Out
Use the restroom before coming into the nave. Don't come to church to go to the fellowship hall—come to pray. If you are in the narthex during the service, please be reverent and quiet.
Leaving before the Dismissal
Leaving church before the dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning ("Blessed is the Kingdom...") and an end ("Let us depart in peace...").
Venerating Icons
When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate icons. When you approach an icon to venerate it, kiss the hand or foot of the person depicted.
Sunday Dress
Because you are coming into the House of God, church attire is expected. Our dress should always be becoming of a Christian—especially at church. Please, no shorts.
Using Cell Phones
Please turn off your cell phone or put it in silent mode before you come into the church. It is inappropriate to have phones ringing or to be answering phones during church services.
A Final Thought
North American society in the 21st Century is rather casual, and sometimes this casualness carries over into the Church. Whether we are talking about how we dress for church, or how we conduct ourselves while we are there, we must remember that God is present, and His holy angels fill the temple. We need to conduct ourselves accordingly, with the utmost respect for our Lord and for His Church.
We may very well find that our outward behavior has a direct influence on our inward spirituality.