Welcome to the real, Ancient, Apostolic Church of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  When you step into an Orthodox Church, you truly enter a place where time doesn't exist and prayers are lifted to God in a form that has been repeated for over 1700 years.  Saints, Patriarchs, and Prophets surround you as clergy, cantors, choir, and congregation sing praises to the Holy Trinity.  The smell of sweet incense accompanies countless candles, as the Faithful greet each other and the holy icons with kisses of peace.  The Gospel is faithfully preached.  Heaven reaches down to touch Earth, culminating in the Eucharistic joy of receiving the Body and Blood of Christ.  The Faithful leave redeemed and rejuvenated to share His Word and Love with the world, as they have since the First Century.  If such a transfigured world intrigues you, come visit us, participate where Heaven touches Earth, and speak with the clergy and people of St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

In an effort to help alleviate confusion, here are some pointers that might help you when you visit St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

1. The church is a sacred and holy place filled with sights, smells, and sounds.
2. We stand up for most of the service.
3. We make the sign of the cross frequently.
4. We touch and kiss things.
5. Everyone may receive the blessed bread at the end of the service however only Baptized and Chrismated Orthodox Christians can take Holy Communion.
6. About 75% of the service is congregational singing.
7. The Sunday Divine Liturgy lasts about two hours.
8. We regard Mary as the "Theotokos" or "Mother of God" and we honor and reverance her as first among the Saints.
9. You don't have to be Greek, or speak Greek, or know Greek to come to a Greek Orthodox Church.  Everyone is welcome.
10. Orthodoxy is better "caught than taught" so come and see!

Many people ask  about how one "becomes" an Orthodox Christian.  For some, they are born into the Orthodox Faith and are baptized and chrismated as infants.  For others; they "become" Orthodox through a process which ultimately leads to their "conversion" and reception through Baptism or through Chrismation. 

This process is highly personal but there are a few general things that can be said about it: 

1. The first stage in this process is the "Inquirer, Seeker, or Perfect Stranger" stage. Here people usually send an email or call after seeing or hearing something about Orthodoxy.  In some cases,they may even come and visit the church.
2. The second stage in this process is when they formally request an opportunity to come for a visit, or a service, and ask to meet with the Priest.  In some cases, they formally request to come to a Bible Study or an "Introduction to Orthodoxy Class" that is being offered.  The person at this point is encouraged to "come and see" as often and as much as possible since Orthodoxy is first "caught" from worship then "taught" through books and classes.
3. The third stage in the process is when the person wants to formally commit to "becoming" Orthodox.  The person is first "made" a Catechumen (Making of a Catechumen Service) and a deliberate plan is put in place for their education and formation.  They then become known as those who are "preparing for Holy Illumination" and prayers are offered for them at the Divine Liturgy.
4. The fourth stage in the process is when the Catechumen is received into the Church through Baptism (for those who have never been baptized) or through Chrismation (for those who had been baptized with a valid Trinitarian baptism).
5. The fifth and "final" stage in the process is that we are always in the process of "becoming" Orthodox Christians.  We are in fact, working out our salvation daily with fear and trembling.

Fr. Jerry is happy to answer any questions you might have.  If you have a question or want more information you may call the Church (541.683.3519) or email Fr. Jerry, frgerasimos@sntgrg.org

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