The Divine Liturgy

"We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth." — the envoys of Prince Vladimir of Kyiv, after attending the Liturgy in Constantinople, 987 AD

The Divine Liturgy is the center of Orthodox life. It is not a lecture, a concert, or a meeting — it is the entry of heaven into time. Angels worship alongside us. The saints are present. Christ Himself is the priest and the offering.

What to expect on your first visit

• Arrive a little early. Light a candle. Stand quietly.
• You will hear chanting, mostly in English (or the parish's language). The same hymns ancient Christians sang.
• You will smell incense — the prayer of the saints rising to God.
• You will see icons — the Church "in glass" around you.
• You will not receive Communion yet. That is for the baptized Orthodox, after preparation and confession. But you are welcome to everything else, and to the antidoron (blessed bread) at the end.

Don't worry about following along perfectly. Just be present. The Liturgy prays you, before you pray it.