Welcome to St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church
“Come and See” (John 1:39)
We are honored that you are considering a visit to St. Ignatius. We know that walking into a new church for the first time—especially one with traditions as ancient as ours—can be a little intimidating. We want you to feel at home.
Whether you are looking for a new church home or simply curious about the Orthodox faith, here is a guide to help you navigate your first visit.
What Should I Expect?
Orthodox worship is different from what many Americans are used to. It is not a lecture, but a divine drama. We believe worship should involve the whole person, so you will find that our services engage all five senses:
Sight: You will see the beauty of the Icons (holy images of Christ and His Saints) and the vestments of the clergy.
Sound: You will hear the service chanted and sung, lifting our prayers through theology and melody.
Smell: You will likely smell incense (Psalm 141:2), which represents the prayers of the saints rising to God.
Touch & Movement: You will see the faithful bowing, making the sign of the cross, and lighting candles.
Am I Required to Participate?
Absolutely not. You will see people standing, sitting, kneeling, and crossing themselves at various times. Please do not stress about “doing it right.”
Visitor Tip: You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. If you are unsure, you can simply stand or sit and observe. Your presence is what matters most to us.
What About My Children?
Please bring them! We believe that children are full members of the Body of Christ. At St. Ignatius, we are used to the “holy noise” of little ones, and we welcome them for the entirety of the Divine Liturgy.
If your child needs a break, feel free to step out into the narthex (entryway) or a short break outside until they are ready to return. Bringing children to church is a labor of love, and we support you in that holy work.
Note: Children are also invited to participate in our Church School program, which takes place immediately following the Eucharist.
Can I Take Communion?
The Holy Eucharist (Communion) is the most sacred part of our worship, where we partake of the true Body and Blood of Christ.
For Orthodox Christians: Only those who are baptized and chrismated in the Orthodox Church, and have prepared themselves through prayer and fasting, may approach the chalice.
For Our Guests: If you are not Orthodox, you are not excluded, you may approach the priest during communion and ask for a blessing by simply saying “Father bless.” If you prefer to not do this, that is completely acceptable too. At the conclusion of the service, everyone is welcome to come forward to receive a piece of the Antidoron (Blessed Bread) from the priest as a sign of fellowship.