We are glad you are thinking about visiting. Whether you grew up in another church, have never been inside one, or are Orthodox and new to the area, there is a place for you at St. Mary’s. Here is what to expect so that your first Sunday feels less like a mystery and more like coming home.
Before you come
Our main service is the Divine Liturgy, every Sunday at 9:30 am, with the Hours read beforehand at 9:10. Great Vespers is served Saturday evening at 6:30 pm and is a quieter, shorter way to get a first taste of Orthodox worship. Feast days follow their own rhythm, so glance at the parish calendar before you set out. Directions to the church are here; we are on the Calhan Highway, about forty minutes east of Colorado Springs.
Arrive when you can. The Liturgy lasts about an hour and a half, and nobody will mind if you slip in a few minutes after it has begun. Sit or stand wherever you are comfortable; there are pews available for anyone who needs them. Dress as you would for a respectful occasion, not a formal one; clean work clothes are fine if you are coming straight from the ranch.
What you will see
The first thing most visitors notice is the icon screen at the front of the church and the candles glowing in front of the icons. The second is that people cross themselves, bow, and kiss the icons as they come in. You are welcome to do any of that, or none of it. Watching and listening is a perfectly good way to spend a first visit.
The whole service is sung or chanted, in English, with the congregation joining the choir for the familiar parts. Much of the time the priest faces the altar with the people, because we are all praying in the same direction. There is a sermon after the Gospel reading. Toward the end, the faithful come forward for Holy Communion.
About Communion
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer, fasting and recent confession. If you are not Orthodox, please stay in your place during Communion. This is not a judgment on you; it is simply that Communion is the seal of a shared faith we hope you will one day come to share. Everyone, without exception, is invited to come forward at the very end for the blessed bread (antidoron) and a word of welcome from Father.
Children are welcome
Orthodox children take part in the whole service from infancy, so you will hear little voices during the Liturgy and nobody will be bothered by yours. Feel free to step out to the entryway if a child needs a break, and come back in whenever you are ready. More about children and church.
A few customs you may notice
Orthodox worship has customs that have grown up over many centuries. None of them is a test, and every one of them has a reason. People stand for much of the service; sit whenever you need to, and no one will think twice. You will see people make the sign of the cross, bow, and in Lent kneel to the floor; join in if you like, or simply watch. During the Gospel, the sermon, the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer, and around Communion, people stay where they are, so if you arrive at one of those moments, wait quietly at the back until it passes. Candles are on a table in the entryway; a small donation is customary but never expected of a guest. After the final blessing everyone comes forward to venerate the cross and receive a piece of blessed bread, and visitors are warmly encouraged to come too.
Fellowship
Please stay for coffee hour in the parish hall. It is the easiest place to meet people, ask questions, and let us learn your name. Fr. Tikhon is always happy to talk with visitors, either after the service or by appointment on the Contact page.