If you have questions about Orthodoxy or our parish, please contact
Father Andrew Welzig
frandrewwelzig@gmail.com
Phone: flve-zer0-nlne-three-f0ur-tw0-flve-slx-slx-tw0
Inquirers’ Class
Every Saturday from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., in the hour preceding Great Vespers, Father hosts an Inquirers’ Class in our lunch room. This class is open to all who are curious about Orthodoxy. The class is structured as an Open Q&A with Father, after which, if there are no more remaining questions, the class will read through The Faith (no need to purchase a copy).
Many inquirers consistently report that the class is very edifying and one of their favorite parts in learning the Faith.
Please feel free to stay for Great Vespers, there are no better teachings than the Divine services.
The class takes breaks throughout the year, namely during the heaviest weekends of Lent and for a couple of months in the summer, and only intermittently during Father’s absence. Always double check the calendar for updates.
Inquirers who have officially been made Catechumens are expected to attend. Those Baptized who have been Orthodox for less than two years are also welcome to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which service should I attend first?
You really can’t go wrong with any of them. All of them exemplify our worship through hymns, prayers, readings, icons, incense, candles etc.. In any case, be sure to introduce yourself to the priest.
– Paraklesis is the least intimidating for somebody wanting to quietly observe.
– Inquirers Class + Great Vespers is a great way to meet us.
– The Divine Liturgy is great for diving in and is the culmination of our spiritual life.
If you are up for it, feel free to attend Orthros as well.
All those who attend Divine Liturgy are highly encouraged to stay after for coffee and a small bite.
What is expected of me when I show up?
Nothing! The church services are the collective worship of and for the faithful and as our guest you are welcome to sit and observe, participating to whatever degree you feel comfortable.
Children are very welcome, mothers need not worry.
Once you’ve enter the foyer, feel free to go through the second set of double doors, into the narthex, at any time. Occasionally the priest or deacon will be censing the Narthex in which case you can wait for him to be done before entering.
May I take communion?
“In order to maintain dignity and reverence for the Holy Eucharist, remember that our Holy Communion is the culmination of our Liturgical Worship and our personal spiritual life. Thus, we must not think about receiving the Body and Blood of Christ in isolation from the rest of our Christian Life. For us, regular prayer, confession, fasting, and stewardship, as well as attending the Divine Services and being on time for the Liturgy, constitute proper preparation for Holy Communion. If you are not Orthodox, you may receive a portion of the blessed bread.” If you have any questions regarding Communion please speak with Fr. Andrew.
How do I become a catechumen?
Becoming a catechumen is akin to a marital engagement. It is a commitment to becoming a part of the Church. With faithfulness and the expectations set forth by the priest (ask Father if he hasn’t given those to you), one can receive the priest’s blessing to become a catechumen at which point a brief prayer will be said over the candidate during a Divine Liturgy.
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come.
Amen.