NEW VISITORS
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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Matthew 11:28-29
Welcome! We're honored that you're interested in visiting Holy Apostles. Orthodox Christianity offers a profound experience of worship that engages all your senses in prayer and Communion with God. Our community is here to help you discover the ancient faith that continues to transform lives today.
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About half the parishioners at Holy Apostles are converts to Orthodoxy from another (or no) faith tradition, so we know how unique and different that first visit to an Orthodox Church can feel. Please know that you are more than welcome to just observe, look around, and take in the sensory experience of Orthodox worship. Don't worry about "knowing what you're doing," just come and see. We're so excited to meet you.
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What to Expect When You Visit
​​Walking through our doors for the first time, you'll be greeted in our entrance area—what we call the Narthex. This space serves as a peaceful transition from the outside world into sacred time and space. Here you'll find candle stands and beautiful icons (holy images). Our ushers will welcome you, answer any questions you have, and can introduce you to someone who will help you feel at home if you'd like.
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Through the double doors is the main body of the Church—we call this the Nave. This space is adorned with icons, many painted (or "written" if you're translating from the Greek!) by our very own Fr. Tom! Icons, often called "windows into heaven," remind us that we worship alongside the saints and angels.
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Our main Sunday service, the Divine Liturgy, engages all the senses in worship. Candles and incense create the atmosphere of peace that has characterized Orthodox worship for two thousand years. The choir and congregation sing ancient hymns and prayers together. You'll probably notice that we Orthodox move a lot in prayer, frequently crossing ourselves and periodically bowing down. The pinnacle of Divine Liturgy is Holy Communion, which the faithful receive directly from priest. At the end of service, everyone is welcome to receive blessed bread.
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There's a lot to take in!
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Please don't worry about "doing things right." Even our regular parishioners are constantly learning more about our traditions. You're welcome to simply observe, or to participate as you feel comfortable. Remember Christ's gentle invitation: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
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We invite you to join us for coffee hour after the service to meet our community and ask any questions you might have.​
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Read on through our Helpful to Know section or click to learn more:
Worship Elements →​
HELPFUL TO KNOW
We often use the word church ​to signify a particular building. However, the deepest significance of that word refers not to a building but to the people who worship in it.
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Archimandrite
Meletios Webber
Common Questions
When is the service and how long is it?
The main Sunday service, Divine Liturgy, begins at 9:30am and typically lasts about 1½ hours. You are also invited to join us for Orthros (morning prayers) before Divine Liturgy from 8:30 to 9:30 am. After services, we welcome everyone to stay for fellowship time and coffee hour.
Do I have to be Orthodox (or Greek) to attend?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome to attend and experience Orthodox worship with us. Our services are in English, and our community includes people from many different backgrounds.
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What should I wear?
Business casual is appropriate, but we never want concern about clothes to keep you from church! See Preparing to Visit below for more detail.
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Is there parking available?
Yes! In the rare case that the lot fills up there's also plenty of street parking.
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What if I arrive late?
Don't worry—come in quietly and join us. Sometimes our ushers may ask you to wait just a moment before entering during important moments of the service.
Where should I sit/stand?
Anywhere you're comfortable. Standing is traditional but sitting is perfectly fine. See During the Service below for more details.
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If I'm not Orthodox, what should I do during Holy Communion?
Simply remain in your seat. At the end of the service, everyone is invited to receive blessed bread (antidoron). See During the Service below for more details.
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Are children welcome?
Absolutely! Orthodox worship is for the whole family. See During the Service below for more details.
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Do you have restrooms?
Yes! Our ushers can direct you.
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Read on or click to learn more:
Worship Elements →​
Come and see.
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John 1:46
Preparing to Visit​
Our Parish Family
Holy Apostles is an Orthodox community practicing ancient traditions that connect us directly to the earliest Christians. We are a mission (outreach) church of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America under the Metropolis of San Francisco.
Our parish family includes people from many different backgrounds—people born into Orthodoxy, converts from various faith traditions, and those exploring Christianity for the first time. About half of our parish members came to Orthodoxy as adults, so we understand what it's like to encounter this ancient faith anew. What draws us together is our shared journey toward Christ in the fullness of Orthodox Christianity.
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Attire, Dress and Haircovering
Please dress comfortably while being respectful of the sacred space we enter when we come to church. Business casual is appropriate. Select clothing that is modest enough to cover both shoulders and knees. Because Orthodox Christians stand for most of our worship service, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Some women in our parish cover their hair during worship, but more do not. There is no expectation that women wear head-coverings, nor pressure to do so.
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Photography and Mobile Devices
We ask that you refrain from taking photos or videos during services to maintain the sacred and prayerful atmosphere. Please silence all mobile devices before entering the church. If you'd like photos of our beautiful church, you're welcome to take them before or after services.
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Read on or click to learn more:
Worship Elements →​
The person who loves God cannot help loving every person as if they were their own family.
St. Maximus the Confessor
During the Service
Standing and Sitting
Orthodox worship is often done standing, as this was the ancient practice of the Church. However, we understand this might be new or challenging for some. Orthodox Christians stand for most of the Divine Liturgy, and out of reverence rise when the Gospel is read and when the Holy Gifts are present. If you need to sit, please do. What matters most is that you're able to participate in worship, not whether you're standing or sitting. You'll notice people moving between standing and sitting throughout the service—this is normal.
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Children
Orthodox families worship together. Children of all ages will be in the Sanctuary participating in worship as best they are able. We all do our best to keep our worship reverent, but the normal movement and sounds of children are expected and welcomed as part of our community's prayer life. We have Orthodox-themed coloring pages, children's books and other resources available for children. Any usher or greeter can help you locate these.
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If your child is having an especially rough time, feel free to step into the Narthex (church entrance area) or Fellowship Hall for a break. Our community understands and supports parents—please don't feel embarrassed, and let us know if there's anything we can do to help make your family's worship experience easier.
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Service Books and Following Along
Orthodox worship can seem complex with its various movements, hymns, and actions. Service books are available under the seat in front of you to help you follow along, and any parishioner will be happy to help you find your place. But, please don't feel pressured to keep up with everything. Many of our members learned the service gradually and recommend that as the best way. Not really knowing what's happening is very normal for your first several visits!
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Crossing Yourself
You'll notice people making the sign of the cross at various times during the service. Orthodox Christians cross themselves up to down, then right to left, but you'll see variation in how often people do this. As a visitor, there's no expectation for you to cross yourself—feel free to simply stand quietly and observe if that is more comfortable for you.
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Icons and Veneration
Orthodox Christians bow before and kiss the icons (holy images). This ancient practice of veneration shows love and respect for beloved members of our ancient Church family. It's akin to keeping and holding a cherished photo of a loved one who is far away. You might even kiss that photo! You are very welcome to participate in veneration of the icons to the degree you are comfortable, but there's no expectation that visitors participate in unfamiliar practices.
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Receiving Holy Communion
The reception of Holy Communion is reserved only for Orthodox Christians who have properly prepared themselves through prayer and fasting. However, at the end of the service, everyone is invited to receive blessed bread (antidoron) from the priest. This is our way of sharing God's blessings with all who worship with us.
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Read on or click to learn more:
Worship Elements →​
Let my prayer arise in Your sight as incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:2
Worship Elements
Candles
It's impossible to imagine an Orthodox church without candles. Candles remind us that Christ is the Light of the world, and help us slow down and transition into the sacred space of worship. Many people light them as they say a prayer for loved ones or in remembrance of those who have passed away. You'll see candle stands in the narthex where you can light a candle as an offering of prayer.
Donations for the candles themselves are appreciated but not obligatory; the funds raised through all candle stand donations are given to different charities each month.
Incense
Orthodox worship engages all the senses, including smell! Incense has been used in worship since biblical times, symbolizing our prayers rising to heaven. As Psalm 141 says, "Let my prayer arise as incense before You." If you're sensitive to incense, you might be more comfortable sitting near the back of the church where it's less concentrated. Let our greeters know if you need assistance finding an appropriate spot or are having any trouble.
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Vestments
The beautiful vestments (robes) worn by our clergy are part of our ancient tradition of worship. The colors of these sacred garments change through the church year—purple for Lent, white for Pascha (Easter), gold for many celebrations. This reminds us of the different seasons of the Ecclesiastical year and helps to emphasize the sacred time we step into with worship.
Read on or click to learn more:
Worship Elements →​