VISIT
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You are welcome here.
From those seeking authentic, timeless Christian faith and practice, to groups interested in studying Orthodox Christian art and architecture, to Orthodox Christians relocating and looking for their spiritual home, we are always welcoming new faces.
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If you'd like to meet with our clergy, schedule a group visit, or speak to someone before stopping in, give us a call at (704) 708-4669.
The earliest Christians “were continually in the temple blessing God” (Luke 24:53) , “and they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Orthodox Christian worship continues these devotional, holy acts, as taught by those who came before us. As it did in the earliest days of the Church, our worship engages the body, mind, and soul.
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If you join us for a service, focus on simply being present. First-time visitors may sit or stand whenever they need while taking in the experience. Our parishioners and clergy are happy to help you get situated, and to answer questions.
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As it has always been, Holy Communion—"the breaking of bread and the prayers"—is the central unifying act of the Church, and it is therefore only partaken of by those who have been formally received into the Orthodox Church. Christians coming from other communions (Nonchalcedonian [Coptic, Armenian, Syriac, etc.]; Roman Catholic [including Uniate or "Byzantine Rite" and Maronite]; Protestant, etc.) are asked to speak with our clergy about the steps that lead to entering into communion with the Orthodox Church.
Worship
True modesty, serving as a royal garment of dignity to adorn any person…has its origin in the inner person; it serves as a reflection of the brightness of an inner adornment. Emanating from within, towards the outside, this brightness illuminates and renders graceful the external appearance as well.
St. Nektarios of Aegina
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Many people unfamiliar with Orthodox Christian worship express concern about what they should wear to a service. Christians strive to present themselves to God and to the world with modesty and moderation in all things. We aim to balance two virtues when coming to church: offering ourselves as we are, and offering our best.
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A neat appearance with clothing in good repair is sufficient. Clothing should respect the dignity of our body, and the dignity of our neighbor, who will see us. A disheveled or provocative appearance injure that dignity and are to be avoided if possible.
Our clergy and those who assist in certain liturgical functions wear specialized garments (vestments). Coming to church is not a performance, with costumes. Prevailing societal norms of dignified dress and appearance are appropriate; fleeting trends of style are tolerated, within reason. Except perhaps in the case of young children, shorts or short skirts are inappropriate. Head coverings for women are traditional and welcome but not required. Avoid wearing lipstick or lip balm as they can damage the sacred icons, vessels, relics, and vestments.
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The best advice is to keep your attire simple and modest.
Not everyone has the means or awareness to dress in a manner considered appropriate. Many attend services going to or coming from work or other situations without time to change. Newcomers have not yet learned our customs. For some, dressing in their finest is a means of showing honor and respect to God; for others, it is a simpler approach that does so. In short, it is good to assume the best in others’ intentions, and to keep our attention to God and to our own need for mercy and repentance.
What to Wear
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them;
for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
Matt 19:14
Children who have been dedicated to God (usually at forty days from birth) are welcome for worship. Children are purposefully included in our rhythms of life and worship, to help them grow into faithful and mature adult Christians.
​The commotion of new life in the temple is a blessing. When it rises to the level of disruption, it must be addressed. Young children and their parents or caregivers may need a break during services. Parents are encouraged to step out of the nave (the main worship space) with their children for a few minutes, to allow them to expend energy that might distract from the service.
We provide three spaces in the temple to assist with this. The attendant on duty will be happy to direct you to the room most appropriate to your needs. In general, children are not to be unattended by parents.
Children
We offer expansive parking in the lower level of our campus, as well as some street parking directly in front of the temple. Wherever you find a spot, simply look for the large dome and head in that direction. Our temple is accessed on its west side, through large metal doors.
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On the Lord's Day (Sunday) and major holidays, the parking areas fill and can overflow.