Rules inside the Church

Rules inside the Church

The holiness of the church requires an attitude of reverence.
Apostle Paul says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40.)

At church, you are going to be standing before the King of heaven, before whom billions of angels and saints stand with trembling. Help us to help you pray by following the rules below:

1. As required by the holiness of the place, women and men should be dressed in an appropriate way to exercise Christian modesty and decency.
2. All electronics must be turned off before entering the church.
3. Women are asked not to wear lipstick, especially when kissing the icons or the Cross, and when taking Holy Communion.
4. Conversations in the narthex (entrance) should be limited.
5. It is preferable that everybody arrives on time. In case of lateness, remain in the narthex during the reading of the Gospel, the singing of the Cherubic Hymn, the Eucharistic Canon (from “It is meet and right” to “It is truly meet”), or during the Lord’s Prayer, then go quietly to your place.
6. Little children are not to be left running in the church. There is a family room for your convenience.
7. Food, drinks, and chewing gum are not to be brought to church. Babies can have milk in the family room.
8. Crossing legs in church is disrespectful to God, whom we are in His presence.
9. Greeting friends and acquaintances in church should be made by making a silent bow. When you hear the words of a blessing directed to the congregation (e.g., “Peace be unto all,” or “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…”), or when the priest is censing, bow your head, without making the sign of the cross.
10. HOLY COMMUNION is for Orthodox Christian members in good standing. Approach Holy Communion with reverence. Cross your hands over your breast, with the left hand over the right.
11. It is preferable that everybody stay in the church until the end of the service. This shows respect for the holiness of the house of God and limits the distraction to others from prayer.
12. On leaving the church, make the sign of the Cross.

For the rest of the day, strive to guard the grace which you have received in church.

Important Note: Please park your car in the designated parking spots. Do not park in front of the church or in the fire lane. Please make sure your car does not block other cars at any time.