Worship

Sunday Attire in an Orthodox Church

What is appropriate Sunday Attire?

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood Orthodox cathedral in Saint Petersburg Russia

What is the difference between Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism?

candles

Why Do We Light Candles?

Orthodox Church

What is Orthodoxy?

Julian vs. Gregorian Calendar

Julian vs. Gregorian Calendar

easter

Pascha / Easter Worship

Why Are Easters on Different Dates?

St.-Sophia church

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

A man sitting and reading a Bible, representing personal study of Christian scripture.

“Why is it important to read Scripture?”

An open book showing the Bible in ancient Greek, the primary language of the New Testament Church.

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

People sitting inside a church during worship, surrounded by religious icons and paintings used for prayer, teaching, and devotion

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

Psalter Book

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

A Christian bishop preaching while holding a pastoral staff topped with two intertwined serpents, symbolizing authority and spiritual guidance

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

People gathered in front of a church during a religious procession, symbolizing communal worship, celebration, and public expression of faith

Pascha / Easter Worship

Why do we have processions?

Church bells mounted in a church bell tower

Why do churches have bells?

Parishioners in an Orthodox church bowing and gently touching the priest’s vestments

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?”

retired Orthodox priest

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

Archangel Michael Orthodox Church

How often do priests receive awards from the bishop?

Archangel Michael Church Bishop

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

Priest censing the interior of an Orthodox church during worship

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

Orthodox Christian praying reverently

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

Guest during a church celebration

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?

Lit candles inside an Orthodox church

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

Beeswax candles lit inside an Orthodox church

Why do we only use beeswax candles in church?

Person making the sign of the cross with the right hand

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

Orthodox priest serving during worship

What are the 3 sacred duties of the ordained priesthood?

Icon of Saint John the Theologian

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

Person using a mobile phone respectfully

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

Religious artwork depicting Jesus Christ

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

Orthodox Church in Broadview Heights

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.

Hospital patient receiving care and support

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

Orthodox clergy participating in confession

Do priests and bishops also go to Confession?

Open Bible during prayer and study

Great Lent Worship

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

Orthodox icon of Saint Patrick

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

Orthodox cross with INRI inscription

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?

Person speaking privately during confession

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?

Grapes and communion cup prepared for worship

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

Person praying quietly at home

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?

Archangel Michael Orthodox Church, Broadview Heights, Ohio

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?

Orthodox Christian making the Sign of the Cross with three joined fingers

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

Orthodox deacon serving during Divine Liturgy

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?

Memorial crosses displayed respectfully

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?

inside church

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

Church funeral service with clergy

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

Person holding bible

Does it matter which translation of the Bible we read?

Worship gathering with music and singing

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

Multiple buddists seated statues arranged together

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

Archangel Michael Orthodox Church

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?

Exterior of an Orthodox church

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

Lenten reflection and prayer

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?