Come and SEE
New visitors will find there are many new things to experience in a Coptic Orthodox Church service. Feel free to go at your own pace, ask any questions you want, and know you are most welcome to “come and see” (John 1:39).
Yes, absolutely. We are a community made up of both cradle-born Orthodox Christians and those who have converted to the faith. We are very welcoming to newcomers, inquirers, relatives and friends, and visitors. Anyone who wishes to discover ancient Coptic Orthodox Christianity is encouraged to ask questions. Father Lazarus will be happy to answer questions about what we do and why. You may also click to find more information about the history of Christianity and of Coptic Orthodoxy, and information about our Pope.
Perhaps the best way to initiate a visit is to contact us directly. If you would like to attend a service, you may certainly do so. Visitors will find there are many new things to experience in a Coptic Orthodox Church service. Feel free to go at your own pace, ask any questions you want, and know you are most welcome to “come and see.”
The traditional posture for prayer and worship in the Orthodox Church is to stand, as before the King of the universe! In many churches in Egypt, there are no pews in the churches, but rather chairs or benches on the side walls, reserved for the elderly and infirm. In America, we build our churches with pews or chairs, so you may sit. However, it is appropriate to stand during the Gospel reading, the Anaphora through the Institutional Narrative, the distribution of Holy Communion, when the priest gives a blessing, and at the Dismissal.
Because the Orthodox Church celebrates the Holy Eucharist as the divine mystery of Christ’s real presence, it is reserved for those members of the Orthodox Church who have prepared themselves to receive the Body & Blood of the Lord. Non-Orthodox are still invited to participate in the worship of the church and are welcome to attend all parts of the service.
The general rule for men and women is to dress appropriately, modestly and respectfully, as before the living God. We ask that you not wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, low-cut or strapless dresses (unless covered by a sweater, etc.).