FOR VISITORS
Welcome home!
Please let either a greeter or a Parish Council member know if this is your first time at Dormition Church so that we can make you feel more at home.
At the end of the service, come and introduce yourself to Father Andreas, and receive a piece of antidoron (blessed bread). Also, join us for Coffee Hour after Liturgy!
Remember, the Church is everyone's home whether we are longtime members of the parish, or if we are stepping into the Church for the first time. Everyone one of is responsible for showing hospitality to those who we do not know.
CHURCH ETIQUETTE
Let everything we do be done in an orderly way. (1st Corinthians 14:40)
The best way to show love to God is to be respectful to others. Make every effort to be in church before the Divine Liturgy begins (10:00 AM), and to remain quiet and respectful throughout the entire service.
Appropriate clothing should be worn, hands should be prayerfully at our sides or folded, not in our pockets, or laid on the tops, or sides of the pews; there should be no food or drink in the Church (no gum chewing!) unless it's Holy Communion or food that has been blessed and distributed by the Priest; when seated, legs should not be crossed. Remember that socializing is for Coffee Hour and should not take place in the narthex or nave. Limit talking and moving around, and try not to create a distraction for yourself or for others. Please clean up after yourself, and do not leave bulletins or bread crumbs behind you once the service has come to a conclusion.
FOR MEMBERS
I was a stranger and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35)
Welcome everyone (both visitors and longtime members) with a smile. If it's someone's first time visiting Dormition, help them find a seat, and to understand the service
Appropriate clothing should be worn, hands should be prayerfully at our sides or folded, not in our pockets, or laid on the tops, or sides of the pews; there should be no food or drink in the Church (no gum chewing!) unless it's Holy Communion or food that has been blessed and distributed by the Priest; when seated, legs should not be crossed. Remember that socializing is for Coffee Hour and should not take place in the narthex or nave. Limit talking and moving around, and try not to create a distraction for yourself or for others. Please clean up after yourself, and do not leave bulletins or bread crumbs behind you once the service has come to a conclusion.
PARTICIPATING IN THE DIVINE LITURGY
Please make every effort to be on time and to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Remember, the Liturgy is meant to be a work of ALL PEOPLE!
Ask Fr. Andreas about volunteering to help read the Psalms or the Epistle! The Great Doxology can be found on p. 1 in the green Divine Liturgy Hymnal. The hymns for the day can also be found in the bulletin.
CHILDREN IN CHURCH
The presence of children in the worship is essential to a healthy Church! Why else would our Lord say “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
Here are some insights that we all might find helpful:
- Help your children see what is taking place in the service and explain to them what is happening. Don’t be afraid to sit up front!
- If your child asks a question that you might not know the answer to, ask Fr. Andreas or a Sunday School teacher! It can be a good learning opportunity for the rest of the children.
- It’s ok to correct your child’s behavior if they misbehave. At the same time, don’t resent them for being children. Even adults struggle to pay attention in Church!
- It’s ok to take your children to the area on the north side of the Altar (where the Baptismal Font is) if you feel that it’s necessary.
- Lead by example! Bring your children to Church on a regular basis, and establish a routine of prayer at home.
- If children are not comfortable receiving Holy Communion, it’s our responsibility as parents to show them by our example. This means preparing for and receiving the sacraments ourselves. Why would they feel comfortable doing something that we don’t?
- We must all show support, love, and patience to one another, especially to struggling mothers. This includes those of us who have already raised children, those who might not have children. This especially includes fathers! Honor your wife, and fulfill your role in training up your children in the way that they should go! (cf. 1 Peter 3:7; Prov 22:6)