“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every earthly care and… run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12: 1

Icons are venerated by burning lamps and candles in front of them, by the use of incense and by kissing. But there is a clear doctrinal distinction between the veneration paid to icons and the worship due to God. The former is not only relative, it is in fact paid to the person represented by the icon. This distinction safeguards the veneration of icons from any charge of idolatry.

Visitors are welcome, but never expected, to venerate icons. Feel free to look at the beautiful icons that surround our church.

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” -Psalm 141:2

In Orthodox Christianity, the use of incense stands out as a deeply symbolic practice. It’s more than just a fragrant offering; it’s a vital part of worship that engages the senses and draws the faithful into a deeper spiritual experience.

Through incense, worship extends beyond the visible; it taps into our olfactory senses which are closely linked to memory and emotion. This is crucial because it helps to reinforce the spiritual teachings within us long after the service has ended.

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” -Mark 8:34

The cross is the central symbol of Christianity, not only as the instrument of the world’s salvation by the crucified Christ, but also as the constant witness to the fact—that men cannot be Christians unless they live with the cross as the very center of their lives in this world.

For these reasons Christians place upon themselves the sign of the cross. The Orthodox place their first two fingers and thumb together to form a sign of the Triune God and cross themselves from the head to the breast and from shoulder to shoulder, right to left. This unique and all-embracing symbol shows that the cross is the inspiration, power and indeed the very content of our lives as Christians; and that man’s mind, heart and strength must be given to the love of God and man.

“I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Upon entering an Orthodox church it is customary, but never expected, to light candles and offer prayers for one’s personal needs or that of a family member or friend. Candles are lit before icons as a sign of one’s faith and hope in God’s help that is always sent to all who turn to Him and His Saints with faith and prayers. By lighting a candle and offering a prayer, one enters into closer contact with the Church and her ministry to the faithful, invisibly warming the soul by the visible light of the candle.

“He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him (John 6: 56).

It is not accidental that Christ, when referring to His life, spoke of it as flesh and blood and identified His life at the Last Supper with the distinctive human food, bread and wine.

At the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Spirit comes upon the holy Gifts – the bread and wine of the Eucharist – to change them into the Body and Blood of Christ. God accepts the bread and wine of our offering. In return He gives us His own Son, who acts to make us His own Body. Jesus nourishes all who are in a state of readiness and watchfulness with His own glorified flesh and makes them partakers of divine life. Christ, the Bread of Life, changes and transforms us who feed on Him in faith and assimilates us unto Himself, as He promised.

"So you shall speak to all gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom that they make make Aaron's garments, to consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest." -Exodus 28:3

The Clergy's Vestments are an ancient tradition dating back to the Old Testament.

Today, our Clergy wear special vestments as a sign of their Priestly role, each piece representing a different aspect of the role or spiritual life of a Deacon, Presbyter or Bishop. A different prayer is said as each piece is donned. Vestments are more than beautiful decorations, but representations of God's promise and salvation. Each piece is a symbol of the particular role that each clergy member plays in the life of the Church.

For a more detailed description of what each piece of attire represents, click HERE.