WELCOME!

We are very happy that you’ve found your way to Saint Sophia. Whether this is you will be visiting an Orthodox Church for the first time, or you've been Orthodox your whole lie, please remember the following as you visit our humble parish.

DRESS

FOR MEN: Long-sleeved, collared shirts are preferred, but short-sleeved are acceptable. Pants or jeans (non-tattered/ripped). No t-shirts with logos or vibrant colors. Shorts are unacceptable at all times.

FOR WOMEN: Dresses or skirts should fall to the knee at a minimum. Dresses and tops should cover the shoulders and chest completely- a shawl or light sweater can be worn over anything that does not provide full coverage. Pants may be acceptable, though not preferred, if they are very loose fitting. It is traditional in the Orthodox Church for women to cover their heads according to St Paul’s exhortation, but this is left up to the conscience of each woman.

VENERATING ICONS

Please remove all lipstick or lip balm before venerating icons so as not to tarnish them.

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

The reception of Holy Communion is reserved only for Orthodox Christians that have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, recent confession, and have forgiven the offenses others may have caused them. If you are visiting and approach the chalice at communion, please expect to be asked who you are and where you’re from.

CELL PHONES

You DO NOT need your cell phone during the divine services. If God calls you during the service, it can be guaranteed that it will not be on your phone. Please turn your phone off, set to “airplane mode,” or leave it in your car during the duration of the service. If for some reason you do need your phone for an emergency, please keep it on silent and only answer calls outside of the temple.