If you are new to Orthodoxy you might have a lot of questions about our faith. Feel free to ask Father Jacob any questions after a service, by phone (570-251-1778), or email (frjacobramsey@gmail.com).

Some common questions are:

Why should I visit?

You should visit in person so that you can experience Orthodox Christian worship first hand. Our worship is centered on our first hand experience and a personal relationship with our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.

There is a place for you here. Everyone is welcome.

God loves you. He has a plan for your life. Salvation and a real life transformation in Jesus Christ is available to all who desire true life in Jesus. Come see what that can look like in your own life and how to get started.

Experience for yourself how the first Christians worshiped. Discover what they believed, how they lived, and how it is still relevant in our lives nearly two thousand years later.

When are services and when can I come?

Weekly services are:

Divine Liturgy Sundays at 10 am

Vespers Saturdays at 5 pm

Vespers and Adult Bible Study and Discussion Wednesdays at 6 pm

Midweek Feast Day Liturgies at 10:00am

Visitors are welcome at any service, and all of our services are in English. Divine Liturgy is about 1.5 hours long, and vespers are about 45 minutes long.

If you visit on a Sunday, come join us downstairs after church for coffee, refreshments, and fellowship.

Our church has a wheelchair ramp in the front, and restrooms are on the same floor as the worship space.

What is Orthodoxy?

Orthodox Christianity is the faith revealed by Christ during His ministry, taught to the apostles, and practiced in the Early Church. It is the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Christ is the only Head of the Church. More information on our Doctrine, Worship, and Spirituality can be found on the  (About Orthodoxy) page.  

Are there any etiquette rules I need to know?

The most important rules are to have a prayerful, respectful disposition during service, and to dress modestly (no shorts please).

Children are always welcome, even if they are wiggly or make noise.

How can a non-Orthodox visitor participate?

Visitors can worship, sing, cross themselves, venerate icons, or simply observe services. Visitors can venerate (kiss) the cross at the end of church and partake of the Antidoron (Greek word for ‘instead of the Gifts’). Antidoron bread will be in a small basket at the back of the church after Communion. Visitors can also be anointed with blessed oil (this is not Holy Unction) and partake of other blessed breads throughout the year.

In contrast, Sacraments such as Holy Communion, Holy Unction, etc, are reserved for Orthodox Christians who are in good standing and have prepared by confession, prayer, and fasting.

Where can I learn a bit more before attending?

Author, speaker, and priest’s wife Frederica Matthewes-Green has made about 30 short videos to accompany her book, Welcome to the Orthodox Church. They are a wonderful resource.

Is Orthodoxy American? Is everyone really welcome?

Orthodoxy is for everyone, and everyone is welcome. Our parish has members from diverse backgrounds and of all abilities. There are no membership dues at Holy Apostles. Sacraments are available to all Orthodox Christians in good standing with no expectation of payment. Our parish is sustained by God’s grace, member donations, and fundraising efforts.

Eastern Orthodoxy has a rich history of saints from Middle Eastern, North African, Mediterranean, Slavic, Native Alaskan, and British/European heritage. The dogma of our faith does not change, and the cultural traditions of each parish are determined by the strengths and gifts of the members in that parish.

Children with special needs are always welcome at our church services and children’s events. We would love to know how we can make church more accessible for your family. When children are received into the Orthodox Church, they are full members of the church, regardless of any developmental or intellectual disability. Feel free to message Matushka Anastasia with any questions about children’s ministry and our special needs ministry (drawnear1988@gmail.com).