Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Greek to attend?
No. While our parish has Greek roots, the Orthodox Church welcomes people of all backgrounds.
Anyone is welcome to attend our services and learn more about the Orthodox Christian faith.
What should I wear?
We ask everyone who attends services at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church to dress modestly and respectfully, remembering that we are entering the House of God.
Many parishioners wear business casual or “Sunday best” attire, but visitors do not need to dress formally. The most important guideline is modest and respectful clothing.
Please avoid wearing:
-
Shorts (for adults and older children)
-
Tank tops or sleeveless tops
-
Short skirts or very tight clothing
-
Clothing with inappropriate graphics, slogans, or logos
-
Casual athletic wear
-
Ripped or overly casual clothing
Orthodox parishes generally encourage modest attire such as collared shirts and slacks for men, and modest dresses, skirts, or dress pants for women.
A Helpful Rule of Thumb
Think modest, clean, and respectful—similar to how you might dress for an important family gathering or special event. Orthodox Christians traditionally dress modestly for worship out of reverence for being in the presence of God.
If you are visiting for the first time, please do not worry too much about what you are wearing. You are always welcome at St. John.
How long are services?
The Divine Liturgy, begins at 10 AM usually lasts about 90-120 minutes.
Orthros, which precedes the Liturgy, begins at 8:45 AM on Sundays.
Are children welcome?
Yes! Children are always welcome in Orthodox worship.
Families are encouraged to participate together in the service.
What language is used during services?
Services at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church are celebrated in a combination of English and Greek.
In general, about 60% of the service is in English and 40% in Greek, with Scripture readings, sermons, and many prayers offered in English. Some hymns and traditional responses are chanted in Greek as part of the historic liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church.
Even if you are not familiar with the Greek language, you will still be able to follow and participate in the service. The beauty of the hymns, prayers, and readings makes the Divine Liturgy meaningful for all who attend.
Visitors are always welcome, regardless of language background.
Why Is Some Greek Used in the Service?
The Orthodox Church has preserved its worship and traditions for nearly 2,000 years. Greek has historically been one of the primary languages of the Church, especially within the tradition of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Because St. John the Baptist is a Greek Orthodox parish, some hymns and responses are still chanted in Greek as part of this living tradition. These hymns connect us to generations of Orthodox Christians who have worshiped in the same way for centuries.
At the same time, our parish strives to make services accessible to everyone. Much of the service, including Scripture readings and the sermon, is offered in English so that all who attend can understand and participate in the worship of the Church.
Whether the prayers are offered in English or Greek, they express the same Orthodox faith and worship of God.
Why Do People Light Candles and Venerate Icons?
When entering an Orthodox church, you may notice people lighting candles and venerating (kissing) icons. These are beautiful traditions that help Orthodox Christians express their prayers and devotion.
Lighting Candles
Lighting a candle is a way of offering a quiet prayer to God. The candle represents the light of Christ and our prayer rising to Him.
People often light candles:
-
for loved ones
-
for someone who is ill
-
in thanksgiving
-
for personal prayer intentions
Visitors are welcome to light a candle if they wish, but it is not required.
Venerating Icons
Icons are sacred images of Christ, the Virgin Mary (Theotokos), and the saints. They are not worshiped; rather, they are honored as reminders of the people who faithfully followed Christ.
Orthodox Christians often approach an icon, make the sign of the cross, and kiss the icon as a sign of respect and love.
This act is called veneration, which is different from worship. Worship is given to God alone.
Visitors are welcome to observe these practices and participate only if they feel comfortable.
Can I speak with the priest?
Absolutely. Our priest is always happy to meet visitors and answer questions about the Orthodox faith.
You may introduce yourself after the service or contact the parish office to arrange a meeting.
