Welcome to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. We hope you find your first visit uplifting. You may notice that worship here is designed to engage the whole person in encountering God: the heart, soul, mind, and body.
Candles
Candles are an expression of prayer, they add beauty to worship, and are symbolic of both the light of Christ (Jn 8) and the love of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Many people light a candle before services begin as an offering of prayer and/or in honor of a loved one.
Icons
The word icon means image. Icons are beautiful pictures that remind us of both the presence of God and community.
God commanded images of cherubim to be placed on the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 25) to remind us of God’s mysterious presence, and an image of a serpent be made (Num 21) to bring miraculous healing.
In our homes, we show love through the display of pictures: of relatives, friends, and important family events. In the church we also have pictures of people and events from our Christian family.
The Veneration of Icons and the Cross
A common way for Orthodox Christians to show respect or reverence for holy things is by kissing them. A kiss should not be confused with the worship of an object — a kiss shows love and respect.
This can be compared to a child kissing a picture of her grandma who has died. In the same way, we show love for Christ and saints by kissing the icons that depict them.
The Altar
The Altar Table is partially screened from the rest of the church to remind us of the Old Testament Holy of Holies. This was an area where God was deemed present, but was closed off from the people by a curtain because of our alienation from God. At the crucifixion, this curtain was torn in two (Mt 27) revealing the Holy of Holies, because in Christ, we are now reconciled to God. Our union with God is shown today by the curtain and gates being opened during services.
Incense
Incense has been offered to God since the Old Testament times (Ex 30), and is offered continually in the Kingdom of Heaven (Is 6; Rev 8). Incense was also one of the first gifts offered to the newborn Christ (Mt 2). The offering of incense is an essential part of our loving worship toward God, of the veneration of beautiful creation, and as a visual sign of prayer (Ps 141).
Music
The music here is sung acapella. This custom isn’t a rejection of instruments; rather, it affirms that the voice is a living, loving instrument, created by God. In addition, only the voice is able to carry both word and melody together.
Holy Communion
In the Orthodox understanding, Holy Communion is a sign of a total unity of faith. Therefore only Orthodox Christians who are prepared can be invited to partake. However, we also offer unconsecrated bread and wine in the center aisle of the church during Communion time, which everyone present is invited to share, including visitors. This ancient practice is a sign of fellowship, hospitality, and love among all who are gathered.
Children
Your children are welcome at any age! Everyone benefits when children are present with their joy, love, and holy sounds. If they get out of control, take them out for a moment, but be sure to come back in as soon as they are calm. Breastfeeeding in church is perfectly fine; if you are more comfortable going downstairs to the dining room, that’s fine too — your choice.
Expectations
Just be you. We have a reverent yet family atmosphere, and everyone fits in as they are. When you arrive, find a pew and take in the ambience until the service begins. A choir member usually chants Psalms and prayers in the background for the 15 minutes leading up to the beginning of the Sunday service.
As the service progresses, you will see people crossing themselves with their hand, singing along with the Liturgy, standing & sitting at various times, sometimes bowing. You are welcome to participate to your level of comfort, but you are never obligated. No one is watching to see what you do or don’t do — we’re just happy you’re with us. And please join us for refreshments in the dining room after services.
Jesus Christ: The Center
In the end, all that we do has but one purpose, which is to draw us to the love of God as revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is love. Jesus is life. Jesus is the first and the last, the fulfillment of every human soul, of all creation.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions: htoc@amerytel.net