Plan Your Visit
What to Expect at St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church
We are grateful for your interest in visiting St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church. Whether you are exploring the Christian faith, learning about Orthodoxy, or visiting for the first time, you are warmly welcome to attend our services.
Below is a brief guide to help you feel more comfortable when you join us.
Before You Arrive
There is no need to call ahead or make arrangements to attend a service. Simply come as you are. If you have any questions upon arrival, a parishioner or deacon will be happy to assist you.
Service Times
Our main weekly service is the Divine Liturgy, the ancient Christian worship service centered on Scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist.
Dress
We encourage modest and respectful attire, in keeping with the reverence of worship. Many parishioners dress in business-casual or traditional attire, though formal clothing is not required.
Types of Services
Vespers
The Church’s evening prayer, offered the night before the Divine Liturgy, with psalms, the Gospel, and the raising of incense, lasting approximately 30–45 minutes and sanctifying the liturgical day.
Midnight Praises
A late-night service of hymns, psalms, and doxologies, prayed following Vespers, offered in watchfulness and praise as the faithful prepare to greet the Divine Liturgy. See schedule for time.Matins
The Church’s morning prayer, offered before the Divine Liturgy, with psalms, the Gospel, and the raising of incense, lasting approximately 30–45 minutes and preparing the faithful for the Divine Liturgy.
The Divine Liturgy
The Church’s central Eucharistic worship, offered with Scripture readings, chanted prayers and hymns, a homily, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Divine Liturgy typically lasts about two hours and is prayed in English, Coptic, and Arabic, according to the service and season. The attendees can follow along on the monitors operated by the deacons , so you will not know exactly what is being said if language changes occur. Much of the service is sung or chanted, and the faithful may stand for extended periods, with seating available as needed.
Participation
Visitors are welcome to stand or sit with the congregation, follow along quietly, and observe the prayers and hymns, participating as they feel comfortable. No prior familiarity with the services is expected, and all are welcome to simply observe.Holy Communion
Holy Communion is offered to baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and confession.
If you are not Orthodox, we kindly ask that you do not receive Communion, but remain prayerfully present during this sacred moment. This is not a sign of exclusion, but a reflection of the Church’s understanding of the sacrament.
Icons, Candles, and Customs
You may see parishioners venerating icons, lighting candles, or making the sign of the Cross. These practices are expressions of prayer and reverence and are never required of visitors.
After the Service
Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful often gather for fellowship over a shared meal and Sunday school. Visitors are warmly encouraged to remain, meet members of the community and the priest, and ask questions.
All Are Welcome
St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church is rooted in the ancient Christian faith handed down from the Apostles, and we joyfully welcome all who wish to learn, worship, and encounter Christ.
If you have questions before or after your visit, please feel free to contact us.