Welcome to St. Elias

We’re excited to have you with us and want to help you get as much from your visit as possible. Below is a guide to what you can expect during your visit.

What to Expect During Your Visit

1. Warm Welcome - As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by friendly members of our parish community. We encourage you to introduce yourself, ask questions, and sit back and take it in. We are here to support you!

2. Divine Liturgy and Worship - Our Church services center around the Divine Liturgy (celebrated on Sundays and Feast Days), which is a beautiful and reverent worship experience filled with rich traditions, hymns, and prayers. Here’s what you might notice:
 

• Iconography: You’ll see many icons (religious images) throughout St. Elias. Icons are considered windows into heaven and play a significant role in our worship.

• Liturgical Colors and Vestments: The clergy wear specific vestments that correspond to the church calendar, symbolizing the seasons and feasts of the Orthodox faith.

• Prayers and Hymns: The service includes both spoken and sung prayers. Don’t worry if you don’t know the responses—just observe and take in the beauty of ancient Christian worship.

3. Participation and Observance - You are welcome to participate as you feel comfortable. Here are some aspects to keep in mind:
 

• Standing and Sitting: It’s customary to stand during many parts of the service. If you need to sit, please feel free to do so.

• Communion: The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a central part of our worship. If you’re not Orthodox or not prepared to receive Communion, you can simply come forward for a blessing.

• Quiet Reverence: We encourage a spirit of quietness and reverence during the service to honor the sacredness of our worship.

4. Fellowship After Service

After the Divine Liturgy, we invite you to join us for fellowship, usually in a designated area for coffee hour or refreshments. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet parishioners, ask questions, and learn more about our community.

 

Tips for Your Visit

 

1. Dress Comfortably: While many people dress nicely for church, we encourage you to wear what makes you feel comfortable and respectful.

2. Feel Free to Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Our parishioners are happy to help!

3. Enjoy the Experience: Take your time to soak in the atmosphere, the music, and the prayers. Each visit is a chance to deepen your understanding of our faith.

 

Additional Resources
To help you prepare further, we invite you to explore our website, where you can find:

Service Schedule: Check our calendar for upcoming services and events.

Contact Information: Reach out to us if you have any specific questions or need assistance.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You!

Thank you for considering a visit to St. Elias. We’re excited to have you join us. We hope your experience is fulfilling and inspiring, and we look forward to meeting you soon!

With blessings,

St. Elias Parish