An Introduction to Church Etiquette

Every Orthodox temple is consecrated as the "House of God"—a sacred space set aside from our secular lives where we can worship without distraction. Because Christ is truly present in the Tabernacle on the Altar, maintaining an atmosphere of peace, reverence, and proper decorum is a shared responsibility for everyone under our roof.

Here is a guide to help us maintain a prayerful environment for all.

1. Reverence & Digital Devices

Conversations: Please refrain from casual or irrelevant conversations inside the Sanctuary.
Phones: Silence all mobile devices before entering. The use of phones should be strictly limited to reading the digital liturgy text (e.g., the GOA Digital Chant Stand). If you are on call for a professional emergency, please keep your phone on mute and sit near the exit to minimize distractions if you must step out.

2. Proper Attire

Our clothing should reflect the dignity of being created in God’s image and demonstrate respect for His presence.

General Standard: Attire should be modest, clean, and respectful. Casual sandals or sneakers are not appropriate.
Women: Please wear slacks or skirts of an appropriate length, and keep shoulders covered.
Men: Please wear long pants with a collared shirt or dress shirt (a tie is encouraged).

3. Children in Church

Children are a vital part of the Body of Christ and are warmly encouraged to remain in the Sanctuary throughout the services.

Restlessness: We understand that staying still is a learning process. If a child becomes fussy or loud, please quietly step out into the Narthex (lobby) or outside until they are ready to return. Running in the aisles or bringing noisy toys is not permitted.
Snacks: If a young child needs a small snack, please ensure all crumbs are cleaned up. As a reminder, children must not have any food in their mouths when approaching the Holy Chalice for Communion.

4. Arrival & Moving During Services

The Divine Liturgy begins when the priest intones, "Blessed is the Kingdom..." We should make every effort to arrive early to receive this opening blessing.

If you do arrive late, please enter quietly and do not walk into the Nave (main seating area) during these critical moments of the service:

The Little Entrance (Procession with the Gospel)
The Great Entrance (Procession with the Holy Gifts)
The reading of the Epistle or Gospel
The dynamic censing of the icons and congregation
The Sermon

If you arrive during these times, please wait reverently in the Narthex. Our ushers are happy to guide you when it is appropriate to take your seat.

5. Entering the Church

Blessing & Candles: Upon entering, it is customary to bow, make the sign of the Cross, and light candles for your personal prayers (a small donation is traditional). For safety, please do not allow young children to light candles unattended.
Venerating Icons: Orthodox Christians offer reverence (venerate), not worship, to holy icons. It is pious tradition to cross yourself and kiss the hands or feet of the saint depicted, or the Gospel book/cross they hold. Note: Women are kindly asked to ensure they are not wearing lipstick when kissing the icons or the Gospel book.

6. Departing the Church

At the conclusion of the service, the faithful come forward to receive a blessing and venerate the Holy Cross held by the priest. When leaving the nave, it is a pious custom to turn back toward the Holy Altar, bow, and make the sign of the Cross one final time as you depart in peace.