Saint Anne Orthodox Church

Always remember that Church is the House of God, a house of worship and prayer. Out of respect for our Lord Jesus Christ, for His Holy Mother, for the Holy Orthodox Church and Orthodox Tradition, for those who worship and pray in this sacred space, modest attire and proper behavior are mandatory at all times.

Laughing, speaking loudly, walking around during services, eating or drinking are to be avoided. Please keep your hearts, minds and lips directed to God during services and not to your friends or those around you.

The traditional positions for worship and prayer in the Orthodox Church are standing or kneeling. Chairs should be reserved for the sick, elderly, and those who lack strength enough to stand. That said, if you need to sit, remember the times when you should make an effort to stand, if you are able:

• during both the Great Entrance and the Small Entrance,
• during the reading of the Gospel,
• during the Cherubic Hymn,
• during the Anaphora (prayers of transformation),
• during Holy Communion,
• during the Lord’s Prayer and the “Creed,” and
• whenever the priest blesses the people.

The way we dress when going to Church is very important. Shorts, skirts above the knee and flip- flops are to be avoided at all times. We should not draw attention to ourselves; therefore we are to dress in a modest and respectful way. Don’t be provocative or disrespectful.

What is happening in the Church, in the holy Altar, is not entertainment but rather a sacrifice. The Lamb of God is sacrificed at each Liturgy, sharing His Holy Body and His Holy Blood with us for the remission of our sins. Proper internal and external attitude is required from us in worship.