Worship

Sunday Attire in an Orthodox Church

What is appropriate Sunday Attire?

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What is the difference between Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism?

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Why Do We Light Candles?

Orthodox Church

What is Orthodoxy?

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Julian vs. Gregorian Calendar

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Pascha / Easter Worship

Why Are Easters on Different Dates?

If, while in church, I get tired, may I sit down?

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“Why is it important to read Scripture?”

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What was the language of the Church in New Testament times?

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Why do we decorate the interiors of our churches with icons?

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Why does the Psalter Book contain an additional 151st psalm when the Bible only contains 150?

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Why does the Bishop’s staff have two serpents around the top?

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Pascha / Easter Worship

Why do we have processions?

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Why do churches have bells?

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While on vacation, we attended an Orthodox Church where, during the Great Entrance, parishioners bent down and touched the priest’s robe as he walked by. Why did they do this?

“Why do we greet the bishop with bread and salt?”

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When Orthodox priests retire, are they actually “retired,” as in no longer having to be at church on Sundays celebrating liturgy?

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How often do priests receive awards from the bishop?

I know that you received a Jeweled Cross from the bishop last Sunday, but what was that award Fr. Joseph was given?

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Why do people sometimes turn to follow the priest or deacon while he censes the interior of the church?

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Is the Lord’s Prayer the best prayer? Is the Lord’s Prayer the best prayer?

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One of my friends was surprised that we don’t clap in church after weddings. I know that this our tradition, but is there an actual rule against applauding in church?

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Now that we have electricity, why do we still light and burn candles in church?

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Why do we only use beeswax candles in church?

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Why do we use our right hand instead of our left hand to make the sign of the cross?

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What are the 3 sacred duties of the ordained priesthood?

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Why does the Gospel of John refer to miracles as “signs?”

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Do we have a policy about using cell phones in church?

Was “Christ” Jesus’ last name? If so, does that mean this was also the last name of Joseph and Mary?

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Why is skipping church a sin? It’s not like murdering someone or stealing, which harms others. Skipping services affects no one but me and God.

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Should you or the family inform the priest when someone is admitted to the hospital?

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Do priests and bishops also go to Confession?

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Great Lent Worship

Why do we read so much from the Old Testament during Great Lent?

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I know that St. Patrick of Ireland is widely venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, but how is he viewed by the Orthodox Church?

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We have a Cross at home and on the upper bar there is a little metal plate that has the letters I.N.R.I inscribed upon it. What do these letters signify or stand for?

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With all of today’s modern technology, why can’t priests simply hear confessions through electronic format, such as by telephone, e-mail, or the Internet?

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Can you use grape juice instead of wine for Holy Communion?

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I find it much easier to pray in church during services than at home. Can you offer some guidance on how I can enhance my prayer life during the week?

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What is the proper way to enter the church? I see a lot of people doing a lot of different things. What should we actually do?

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What specific times should we make the sign of the Cross during services?

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During the Liturgy the deacon at times goes in and out of the Altar via the two side doors and other times through the Royal Doors. What is the reason for this?

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I have a number of crosses from the caskets of deceased loved ones. Right now some are hanging on walls and others are just in drawers. What should I do with them all?

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What should you do if an icon, prayer book, or Bible is dropped on the ground?

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Can a Roman Catholic priest or Lutheran pastor serve at an Orthodox funeral?

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Does it matter which translation of the Bible we read?

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Why do some Christian denominations promote singing, dancing, live music, light shows, etc. during their services? And, why are we taught differently?

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Can non-Christians such as Jews, Buddhists, and Muslims attain salvation?

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I know that the clergy must consume everything that is left in the chalice after the distribution of Holy Communion, but how exactly do you go about this?

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If we are on vacation and wish to attend another Orthodox Church for Sunday services, is there anything special we should do?

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Great Lent Worship

If Great Lent is 40 days long for both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, why does our Lent begin on a Monday, and theirs on a Wednesday?