Church Etiquette

Lighting Candles

Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship — an offering to accompany our prayers. Orthodox typically light candles when entering the church. There are times candles should not be lit: during the Epistle and Gospel readings, the Little or Great Entrances, the sermon, and most times when the faithful are standing. If in doubt, an usher will guide you.

The Importance of Punctuality

The time to arrive at church is before the service starts. If you arrive after the Liturgy begins, enter quietly and observe what is happening. If the Epistle, Gospel, or Entrances are taking place, wait until they are finished before finding a seat. If the priest is preaching, stay in the back until he has concluded. Whoever is not present by at least the time of the Epistle and Gospel readings should not receive Holy Communion.

Crossing one's legs in church is not permitted — not because it is wrong, but because it is too casual and relaxed for being in church. Sitting in church is a concession, not the normative way of prayer. When you do sit, sit attentively. Keep both feet on the floor, ready to stand at attention — which is what "let us attend" means.

We encourage you to bring your young children and babies to church services. As Jesus said: "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

If your child becomes excessively noisy, please use the cry room so as not to disrupt the service for others.

Excessive Cosmetics

Women who wear lipstick to church should blot their lips well before venerating an icon, receiving Communion, or kissing the cross or the priest's or bishop's hand.

Communicate with God Only

Wait until fellowship hour to greet friends and family. It is not appropriate to have conversations during the services. Talk to God while in church through your prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving. He is waiting to hear from you.

Leaving Before Dismissal

Leaving church before dismissal deprives us of a blessing. Worship has a beginning — "Blessed is the Kingdom..." — and an end — "Let us depart in peace..." To leave immediately after Communion is to treat the church like a restaurant where we come and go as we please.

Venerating Icons

When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate the icons. Icons are typically found at the entrance and on icon stands in the front. When venerating (kissing) an icon, please be aware that it is improper to kiss an icon on the face.

Handling the Antidoron

After Holy Communion and at the end of the Divine Liturgy, it is customary to receive a piece of antidoron — the blessed bread left over after Holy Communion was prepared. While not Holy Communion itself, it is blessed bread, and should be eaten carefully so that no crumbs fall. Adults and children alike should consume it with respect.

God accepts us as we are — but how do we prepare ourselves for Him? We need not be dressed "fancy" so as to impress others. We need only be dressed respectfully and modestly so as to present ourselves to God.

Preferably this means "Sunday best," but business casual is acceptable. If medical or other reasons prevent certain clothing, use your good judgment and speak with your priest.