Is Divine Liturgy served only in Romanian?

Our services are served in both Romanian and English. We can provide service books with complete Romanian and English text, side by side, so you can follow the service with ease and continuity.

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May I bring my children?

Children are always welcome! 

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I am not Orthodox Christian. May I attend Divine Liturgy?

We welcome all visitors to attend our services and community events.

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Is there a dress code?

The general rule for men and women is to dress appropriately, modestly and respectfully, because we stand before the living God. We wear everything from jeans to suits, long dresses to skirts, tee shirts to shirts with ties, dress shoes to sneakers. We ask, however, that you do not wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, low-cut or strapless dresses (unless covered by a sweater, etc.). Some Orthodox women wear head coverings, but this is not required. Men are asked not to wear head coverings (baseball caps, etc.) in the Nave.

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Standing or sitting?

The traditional posture for prayer and worship in the Orthodox Church is to stand before the King of the universe! In the Orthodox “old countries” there are typically no pews in the churches. Chairs or benches on the side walls are usually reserved for the elderly and infirm. If there are available seats you are free to sit. However, it is appropriate to stand during the Gospel reading, the Little and Great Entrances, the distribution of Holy Communion, when the priest gives a blessing, and at the Dismissal. Just follow the congregation.

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I am Christian. May I receive Communion?

Orthodox priests may only serve the Holy Eucharist to baptized members in good standing of the canonical Orthodox Church, who have recently confessed, and fasted before partaking of the Holy Eucharist. This is the ancient tradition of the Holy Church for the 2,000 years of its history. The Orthodox Church understands the Holy Eucharist as a mystery of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, not simply as a memorial, or merely in a spiritual sense, as many other non-Orthodox Christians do. Rather than trying to accommodate to often varying “interpretations” or revisions of this and other doctrines of the ancient faith, we simply ask that you respect the ancient, apostolic tradition and join us in receiving the Fellowship bread at the veneration of the cross, at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

 

What happens after the service?

Please join us for the coffee and fellowship hour in our parish hall after Sunday services!

It is a wonderful time to socialize and make new friends.

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Whom may I contact for more information?

Please email us at sfantamariaboston@gmail.com

 

We look forward to having you join us for worship on Sunday! 

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