An Introduction to Church Etiquette

Every Orthodox Church edifice is dedicated and consecrated to the glory and worship of God.  The Church is unlike every other structure in that it has been set aside as the “House of God.”  It is the one place where all our secular activities are to be left behind and where we should, without distraction, worship our Creator.  Whether services are in progress or not, an atmosphere of peace should be maintained on Sundays and weekdays.  The Orthodox Christian is quiet and respectful in the Church, as this state of being indicates a recognition of God’s eternal presence there.  On the Altar, the reserved Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ, is kept in the Tabernacle, and our behavior within His Church must also be in accordance with the Holy presence. 

The Church is the House of God. During the Divine Liturgy and all divine worship services, we are responsible for maintaining proper decorum. Reverence and good manners are required.  No irreverent or irrelevant conversations should be carried on inside or out.

The use of mobile devices should be limited to the “GOA Digital Chant Stand” in the Sanctuary. If you have a professional reason to carry a phone for emergencies, please keep it on mute and sit near the exit so that, should you be called, your leaving for an emergency will not distract others. Otherwise, turn your phones to silent before entering the Sanctuary.

Proper Attire

As we draw closer to Christ, Our God, by entering His Holy-dwelling place, we should dress not only our souls but our bodies as well, which should be in a manner befitting being in the presence of His majesty and glory. Our clothing should always reflect the dignity of being created in His likeness and image. Our attire should, therefore, be modest and respectful.  Women should attend services with their shoulders covered and wearing slacks or skirts of appropriate length. Men should wear long pants and either a collared shirt or a dress shirt with a tie. It is not appropriate to wear sneakers or casual sandals.

Children in Church

Christ said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 9:). Children can remain in the Sanctuary throughout a service, although it may be difficult for some.  Eventually, children will be able to spend longer times in the Liturgy. That is where they should be, but remember, the reason for coming to church is to pray and worship; when they are young, it can be challenging for both children and parents.

If a child is fussy, please be respectful of others and quietly exit the nave.  It is never appropriate to allow a child to run down the aisles, play loudly, or carry toys that make noise. If a young child needs a snack, please clear away any leftover pieces (children should not have anything in their mouths as they approach the Holy Chalice). 

Divine Services

Every Sunday, the Orthodox Family is called to observe the day of the Lord, commemorating His Resurrection and triumph over death.  Sunday Services begin with the setting of the sun on Saturday evening.  It is a blessing to be able to attend Great Vespers on Saturday evening to begin commemorating the Day of Resurrection.  Parents and children should arrive together early in the morning for Orthros and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

The Divine Liturgy begins when the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The faithful should arrive early enough to receive this blessing. If you arrive later than this, please enter the church reverently and quietly.  The faithful should not enter the Nave; instead, they should remain in the Narthex during the Little or Great Entrances, when the priest is censing the icons and congregation while reading the Epistle and Gospel, or while the sermon will be preached.  If you are unsure when to enter the church, ask one of the ushers for guidance.

Those who neglect to attend Divine Liturgy sin in the ignorance of their commitment to Christ implied in being an Orthodox Christian and necessarily hinders the work of the Holy Spirit.  Only in Church is the Gift imparted.  Only in the togetherness of prayer is the Body of the Church formed mystically, and Christ, the Head of the Body, enlivens the faithful, the members of His body, by the grace of the Holy Spirit.  He feeds us with the Sacrament of Holy Communion and strengthens our bonds of unity so that we may become inheritors of His Kingdom.  For this reason, the Fathers of the Church emphasize the importance of regular church attendance and the frequent reception of Holy Communion. 

Private prayers and devotions are prayers of enlightenment and guidance and must culminate in common prayer with the other faithful in the church at the Divine Liturgy.  Therefore, the Orthodox family's sacred duty and responsibility is to attend the Divine Liturgy every Sunday.

Private prayer is necessary but is incomplete without being tied to corporate prayer.  Those who pray regularly in private genuinely need to pray in church with others.

Entering the Church

Upon entering the Church, the faithful should bow their heads in reverence before God and cross themselves as a sign that they are followers of the Crucified Lord, Jesus Christ.  A pious tradition is to light candles for personal petitions and intercessions. Most parishes have designated candle stands or holders for these candles.  Please do not allow young children to light candles alone or to play in the candle boxes for safety reasons. It is customary to offer a donation for each candle.

The Orthodox Church teaches that it is proper to venerate, not worship, holy icons. We cross ourselves and then kiss either the hands or feet of the saint depicted in the icon, the scroll, the Gospel book, or the hand cross a saint holds.  Women should not wear lipstick kissing the Holy Icons or the Book of the Gospel.

Departing the Church

It is appropriate to leave the Sanctuary respectfully.  At the close of services, the faithful should receive a blessing, kiss, or venerate the Holy Cross held by the priest.  After walking to the back of the nave, it is customary to turn toward the Holy Altar, bow, and make the sign of the cross.