BEFORE CHURCH
- Visitors who are planning to come are welcome to write a courtesy email to info@orthodoxchurchpr.org.
- Visitors who are Orthodox Christians desiring to receive the Holy Mysteries at Divine Liturgy must make an appointment with the priest and recite the Prayers of Preparation for Holy Communion prior to arriving at the Church.
Pro tip:
If you have fever, cough, sore throat, nose congestion, nose dripping, or any other symptoms related to COVID-19, influenza, mycoplasma, or the common cold—please stay home.
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE CHURCH [AND ASSMCA] PREMISES
- Once you pass the ASSMCA complex security gate, drive carefully and park near the church.
- Introduce yourself to the priest or a church representative so that you can be welcomed and acknowledged.
- Avoid small talk—and focus on the Church Services. The quantity of words that proceed from your mouth reveals the condition of your heart—that is, your spiritual condition—for He that shuts his lips is a man of understanding [Proverbs 17:28], but a fool multiplies words [Ecclesiastes 10:14].
- Wandering beyond the Church perimeter is PROHIBITED.
Pro tip:
- You may read quietly from your prayer book or the day's Holy Scripture reading inside the chapel or outside.
- When you hear the semantron, you'll know it's time to enter the chapel, and the Service is about to start.
ENTERING AND STANDING IN CHURCH
- You may enter the Church and perform the customary bows/prostrations to the Holy Icons. If you are not sure how, don't worry! Someone will kindly show you. Or you can gently bow before the icon and move to your side.
- Every person who enters the Church will bow to the clergy and may kiss the hands of the clergy.
- You may light candles and leave a donation in the donation box or through PayPal or ATH Móvil.
- You may follow the service by reading the booklet or simply listening.
- All parishioners stand throughout the Service. Seats are provided for visitors, the elderly, and the infirm.
- Men stand on the right side, where the icon of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is. Women stand on the left side, where the icon of the Most Holy Lady Theotokos is.
- The Holy Mysteries will be communicated via an individual Lavítha [or Lzhítza].
- Only the clergy and altar servers approach or enter the altar.
Pro tips:
- Put your mobile phone in silent mode before entering.
- Times when ALL must stand: when clergy incenses the church, when reciting the Creed and the Our Father, whenever the Holy Scripture book or the Chalice is out, during the reading of the Holy Gospel, and as indicated.
- If you sit, do so without crossing your legs.
- If the Church is filled to capacity, stand in the narthex (entrance) or under the canopy—and listen to the Church Services.
AFTER SERVICES
- Consume the antídora (blessed bread) before leaving the Temple.
- After the service, refreshments are served in the trápeza area. Feel free to stay for fellowship.
- Drive carefully upon leaving the ASSMCA complex.
- Communicants will return to their homes and recite the Prayers of Thanksgiving After Holy Communion.
Pro tips:
- No one should stay on the premises after all members have left.
- Don't expect to answer all your questions on a single visit or by quick internet searches. Allow yourself to "unpack" each experience during the week, with prayer and jotting down any questions, reflections, comments, and come back.