I'm New

"Now therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Can I visit if I am not Orthodox?

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 comfortable with newcomers, inquirers, and visitors. Anyone who wishes to discover ancient Coptic Orthodox Christianity is welcome. If you have questions, the priest will be happy to answer them, so don't be afraid to ask about what we do and why.

What should I wear?

The general rule for men and women is to dress appropriately, modestly and respectfully, as before the living God. Typically, men and women wear business casual attire.

How long is the service?

There are several services. On Saturday evenings, the Evening Raising of Incense (Vespers) is generally 30 to 45 minutes, followed by Midnight Praises lasting around 60 minutes. On Sunday mornings, a similar service is celebrated before the Divine Liturgy. The Divine Liturgy is approximately 2 hours, with an English sermon of about 15 minutes in between. Distribution of the Holy Eucharist is towards the end.

Can I receive communion?

Orthodox priests may only serve the Holy Eucharist to baptized members in good standing of the canonical Orthodox Church who have recently confessed and fasted before partaking. This is the ancient tradition of the Holy Church throughout its 2,000-year history. The Orthodox Church understands the Holy Eucharist as a mystery of the real presence of Christ, not simply a memorial or a merely spiritual presence, as many non-Orthodox Christians understand it. Rather than accommodate varying interpretations or revisions of this and other doctrines of the ancient faith, we simply ask that you respect the Church's practice. If you would like to learn more about becoming Orthodox, please speak with one of our priests.

What should I do during Liturgy?

In the Coptic Orthodox Church we invite the people to participate by singing along, standing, sitting, and signing themselves with the cross as an outer sign of an inner reality. Although some of the hymns may be new to you, feel free to jump in. That is the best way to learn. Don't worry if you do not know when to sit or stand; you are free to sit or stand as much or as little as you are comfortable.

Other resources

An excellent 4-part series by The Ten Minute Bible Hour with Fr. James from St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois.