Divine Liturgy
The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
Vespers
The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.
Presentation of Christ
The presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple, where He was received by the righteous Simeon and Anna the Prophetess. Also called the "Meeting of the Lord," this feast on February 2nd celebrates Christ's first entrance into the Temple and Simeon's recognition of Him as the "Light of the Nations." Candles are traditionally blessed.
St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
The beloved 4th-century Archbishop of Myra, known for his generosity, miracles, and defense of Orthodox faith at the First Ecumenical Council. Celebrated on December 6th, St. Nicholas is patron of sailors, children, and the falsely accused. His popularity spans all Orthodox jurisdictions and he's remembered for secretly providing dowries for poor families.
Orthodoxy 201
This weekly online class exploring the depth and breadth of the Orthodox Christian faith. Topics include Church history, theology, liturgy, asceticism, Scripture, philosophy, ethics, science and religion, and more. Classes meet Wednesdays at 7:00pm via Zoom and are open to all seekers of deeper understanding.
Canon of St. Andrew
A penitential hymn composed by St. Andrew of Crete, appointed for use during Great Lent. It is read in portions during the first four days of Lent at Great Compline and then chanted in its entirety on Thursday of the fifth week of Lent. The Canon is a profound meditation on repentance, drawing upon numerous biblical figures as examples of both righteousness and sin. Each troparion is followed by the refrain, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.” The Great Canon emphasizes personal contrition, humility, and spiritual awakening, calling the faithful to examine their lives, turn from sin, and prepare their hearts for the joy of Pascha.
St. Raphael of Brooklyn
The first Orthodox bishop consecrated in America, who united various Orthodox communities under canonical authority. Celebrated on February 27th, Raphael arrived from Syria in 1895 and was consecrated bishop in 1904. He traveled extensively across America, establishing parishes and bringing Orthodox communities together under proper episcopal oversight.
Presanctified Liturgy
A special Lenten service combining Vespers with communion using bread consecrated at a previous Divine Liturgy. Celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Great Lent, this service allows the faithful to receive communion during the fasting period without celebrating the full Divine Liturgy. It maintains the penitential character of Lent while providing spiritual nourishment.