Start Here

I’m curious

Start with the basics: what the Church is, how its people pray, and what faith looks like in daily life.

1. What Is the Orthodox Church?

   A first look at the Church, its roots, and its life of worship. Start here if much of this is new to you.

2. Prayer & Worship

   Learn how prayer at home connects with worship in church. This page introduces the Divine Liturgy, the service at the heart of Orthodox life.

3. The Liturgical Year

   The Church year has times to prepare, fast, and celebrate. This page explains that rhythm and why parish calendars can show different dates.

4. Living the Faith

   Faith takes shape in small things: prayer, honest work, patience, and kindness. Here is how those everyday choices belong to life with Christ.

5. Continuing the Journey

   When you want to take another step, begin with a parish and its people. This page offers encouragement, further reading, and links to Orthodox parish directories.

A next stepFind a parish you could visit, or choose one question to ask a priest.

I’m visiting a parish

A first visit can feel strange. These pages explain what you may see and hear, and help with the questions people often bring through the door.

1. Your First Divine Liturgy

   A friendly guide to standing, sitting, clothing, singing, and what happens at Communion. It is a longer read; you can begin with “A Short List for the Morning” and return to the rest later.

2. The Church Building

   Take a look around before you arrive. This guide explains the main parts of the church, the icons, and why things are placed where they are.

3. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

   This is the service you will usually meet on a Sunday. The short guide walks through its main parts and links to the full text and a booklet if you want them.

4. The Eucharist

   Eucharist is another name for Holy Communion. This page explains its place in Orthodox life, who may receive, and why preparation belongs with the parish priest.

5. Continuing the Journey

   Find help with taking the next step into parish life. There are links for further reading and Orthodox parish directories across jurisdictions in the US.

A next stepCheck the parish’s service time and let the priest know that you are coming for the first time.

You are welcome at the service. If you are not Orthodox, please wait to receive Communion and ask the priest how to take part.

I’m beginning to pray

Begin with something small enough to return to. Some of these prayers use older English; take your time with the words, and ask about any you do not understand.

1. A Simple Orthodox Prayer Rule

   A prayer rule is a regular pattern of prayer. This page offers a small daily plan that you can discuss with your priest.

2. Morning Prayers

   Prayers for giving thanks and asking God’s help at the start of the day. This is a selection to use with your prayer rule, not a list you must finish each morning.

3. Evening Prayers

   Prayers for looking back on the day, asking forgiveness, and resting in God’s care. They include a short prayer before sleep.

4. The Jesus Prayer

   Learn a short prayer you can return to during an ordinary day. The guide explains its words, the use of a prayer rope, and when to ask your priest for help.

5. On Prayer Corners

   Ideas for setting aside a quiet place to pray at home. Begin with what you have and let the space grow over time.

A next stepTalk with your priest about a small prayer rule you can keep. If you already have one, begin there.