Visitors Info
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting our website! We look forward to seeing you in church, or if you would prefer, we would love to have you visit with our priest. Please contact the church office for an appointment with the priest by calling 734-332-8200 or emailing secretary@stnickaa.org. All our facilities are handicapped accessible. If you plan on attending our services, here are some FAQ’s that might be helpful to you.
I’m not an Orthodox Christian. Am I welcome to come and visit?
YES! We encourage everyone to come and visit! Everyone in the world is loved by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no matter what his or her background is. Please “come and see”! (John 1:39)
How long is the service?
The Divine Liturgy is about 90 minutes long. The first half of the Divine Liturgy is centered around hymns, the Epistle and Gospel readings, and the sermon. The second half of the service is centered on the consecration of Holy Communion and its distribution.
Before the Divine Liturgy, there is a service called “Orthros” or Matins. You may come to Orthros or you may come at the start of the Divine Liturgy. Please check our calendar for exact times of the services offered. [CALENDAR]
What do I do when I arrive?
When you enter the narthex, the room between the entrance and the nave of the church, there are candles stands to your right and left. Orthodox Christians light a candle - the light represents the light of Christ, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Please feel free to light a candle and offer a silent prayer for yourself, a loved one, whomever. There are suggested donations for candles, but we leave it to your discretion if you choose so. Hopefully, you will be greeted by an usher. Let them know you are a visitor. They will guide you. We have service books that can help you keep track of where we are during the service.
During the service, you will notice people sitting and standing at certain times. You are welcome to sit or stand, whatever you feel like, during these times.
Is there a dress code?
No. You may come as you are. Our parishioners tend to wear business casual or dresses and suits. Ultimately, we do not care how you are dressed but that your heart is seeking Christ! As a general rule of thumb, modesty in attire is always preferred.
I’m not Greek. Am I still welcome?
Yes, of course! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to “draw all people to [Himself].” (John 12:32) As Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Everyone in the world is prayed for in our services.
The word “Greek” in Greek Orthodox Church refers to the historical origins of our Church (which goes all the way back to Christ and the Apostles). Indeed, our St. Nicholas community was founded by immigrants from Greece, but our community today is quite diverse, and no matter your background, you are welcome here!
I don’t speak Greek. Will I be able to understand your services?
Yes! Our services are predominantly in English. You will be able to understand and follow most of the service. You will also hear Greek, Romanian, Arabic, Russian, and other languages during the service. Saint Nicholas includes Orthodox Christians from many backgrounds in our community, and we do our best to represent all of their traditions during our services.
Is there a nursery?
No. Orthodox Christians believe it is important for children to be present in the services and experience them. Children may read or play quietly during the service. If a child becomes too fidgety, fussy, or talkative, parents are asked to take them out of the church so that the child can have a break and calm down. There is also a “cry room” at the right rear of the church for parents with infants or very young children.
May I receive Holy Communion?
Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and it is consecrated as such by the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy. It is the most important and sacred element a person can receive. Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves to receive it.
However, during the Divine Liturgy, everyone in attendance receives multiple blessings from God! At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a special, blessed bread is offered to everyone in attendance. It is called “antidoron” which literally means, “instead of the gift” (referring to Holy Communion). Everyone is welcome to receive the antidoron!
Am I welcome to the fellowship hour after the Divine Liturgy?
Yes! We encourage you to come to the fellowship hour – it is the best place to meet our parishioners and ask questions.
Thank you for visiting our website! We look forward to seeing you in church, or if you would prefer, we would love to have you visit with our priest. Please contact the church office for an appointment with the priest by calling 734-332-8200 or emailing secretary@stnickaa.org. All our facilities are handicapped accessible. If you plan on attending our services, here are some FAQ’s that might be helpful to you.
I’m not an Orthodox Christian. Am I welcome to come and visit?
YES! We encourage everyone to come and visit! Everyone in the world is loved by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, no matter what his or her background is. Please “come and see”! (John 1:39)
How long is the service?
The Divine Liturgy is about 90 minutes long. The first half of the Divine Liturgy is centered around hymns, the Epistle and Gospel readings, and the sermon. The second half of the service is centered on the consecration of Holy Communion and its distribution.
Before the Divine Liturgy, there is a service called “Orthros” or Matins. You may come to Orthros or you may come at the start of the Divine Liturgy. Please check our calendar for exact times of the services offered. [CALENDAR]
What do I do when I arrive?
When you enter the narthex, the room between the entrance and the nave of the church, there are candles stands to your right and left. Orthodox Christians light a candle - the light represents the light of Christ, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Please feel free to light a candle and offer a silent prayer for yourself, a loved one, whomever. There are suggested donations for candles, but we leave it to your discretion if you choose so. Hopefully, you will be greeted by an usher. Let them know you are a visitor. They will guide you. We have service books that can help you keep track of where we are during the service.
During the service, you will notice people sitting and standing at certain times. You are welcome to sit or stand, whatever you feel like, during these times.
Is there a dress code?
No. You may come as you are. Our parishioners tend to wear business casual or dresses and suits. Ultimately, we do not care how you are dressed but that your heart is seeking Christ! As a general rule of thumb, modesty in attire is always preferred.
I’m not Greek. Am I still welcome?
Yes, of course! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came to “draw all people to [Himself].” (John 12:32) As Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Everyone in the world is prayed for in our services.
The word “Greek” in Greek Orthodox Church refers to the historical origins of our Church (which goes all the way back to Christ and the Apostles). Indeed, our St. Nicholas community was founded by immigrants from Greece, but our community today is quite diverse, and no matter your background, you are welcome here!
I don’t speak Greek. Will I be able to understand your services?
Yes! Our services are predominantly in English. You will be able to understand and follow most of the service. You will also hear Greek, Romanian, Arabic, Russian, and other languages during the service. Saint Nicholas includes Orthodox Christians from many backgrounds in our community, and we do our best to represent all of their traditions during our services.
Is there a nursery?
No. Orthodox Christians believe it is important for children to be present in the services and experience them. Children may read or play quietly during the service. If a child becomes too fidgety, fussy, or talkative, parents are asked to take them out of the church so that the child can have a break and calm down. There is also a “cry room” at the right rear of the church for parents with infants or very young children.
May I receive Holy Communion?
Holy Communion is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and it is consecrated as such by the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy. It is the most important and sacred element a person can receive. Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves to receive it.
However, during the Divine Liturgy, everyone in attendance receives multiple blessings from God! At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a special, blessed bread is offered to everyone in attendance. It is called “antidoron” which literally means, “instead of the gift” (referring to Holy Communion). Everyone is welcome to receive the antidoron!
Am I welcome to the fellowship hour after the Divine Liturgy?
Yes! We encourage you to come to the fellowship hour – it is the best place to meet our parishioners and ask questions.
