Scheduling, Sacramental and Helpful Information
We experience God's care for His people through the life of the Church. Whether we are welcoming new life into the world or find ourselves struggling with sickness the Church offers comfort and assistance. For this reason, St. John Chrysostom rightly called the Church a hospital; it is a place where we find comfort and healing. In the sacramental life of the Church we both begin and are sustained on our journey to become more like Christ. We hope these resources below will help you know better how to go about scheduling and participating in these services of our Church.
40 Day Blessing Information
The 40-day blessing in the Orthodox Church, occurs on or near the 40th day after birth. During this service, the child and mother receive prayers for health and purification, symbolizing the child’s dedication to God and the Church. It marks the beginning of the child’s spiritual journey within the Orthodox community.
Confession Information
The Sacrament of Confession is a crucial aspect of our life and relationship with Christ. Through confession we receive the forgiveness of sins, find healing, and are able to return to the path that Christ has laid out for us to follow.
Funeral Information
The Orthodox Church offers Funeral services and prayers for baptized Orthodox Christians.
We also continue to offer prayers for our departed forefathers and loved ones, that God will grant them salvation, peace and eternal rest.
Letter of Good Standing, Sacramental Transcripts and Freedom to Marry Letter Requests
Sacramental Transcripts are official records of a person's participation in sacraments such as baptism, chrismation, marriage, and ordination. A Letter of Good Standing certifies that a person is in good standing within the Church, typically issued by the priest ensuring they are free from ecclesiastical censure or excommunication. The Freedom to Marry document is a declaration by a priest and signed by the bishop that a person is not currently bound by any previous marital vows or impediments, allowing them to marry within the Church.
Pastoral Visitations Information
Those who are sick or are not able to attend services may be attended to by a pastoral visitation. The visit provides spiritual medicine needed and help with physical recovery.
Child/Adult Baptism Information
The Rites of Initiation into the Orthodox Church include Baptism and Chrismation. The Orthodox Church affirms and believes in infant Baptism and also receives new adult members into the Church through Baptism and Chrismation.
Divine Liturgy Information
The Eucharist, commonly called Holy Communion, is offered during the Divine Liturgy. The central and most important sacrament of our faith. The Eucharist both unites the body of Christ and is the highest expression of our unity. Through the Eucharist we find healing and forgiveness of sins.
Holy Unction Information
Through the Sacrament of Holy Unction, the Church offers healing for both physical and spiritual ailments. The Clergy offer this sacrament as needed throughout the year.
Memorial Service Information
The Orthodox Church offers Memorial services and prayers for those who have reposed, typically during the Divine Liturgy.
Memorial prayers may be offered at various times to remember our departed loved ones.
Trisagion Service Information
The Orthodox Church offers Trisagion services and prayers for those who have reposed, typically at their gravesite.
Prayers may be offered at various times to remember our departed loved ones.
Chrismation Information
The Rites of Initiation into the Orthodox Church include Baptism and Chrismation. The Orthodox Church affirms and believes in infant Baptism and also receives new adult members into the Church through Baptism and Chrismation.
Divorce Information
In the Orthodox Church, marriage is a sacred, lifelong union, but the Church recognizes that, due to human brokenness, some marriages may tragically fail. While ecclesiastical divorce is never ideal, the Church offers it as an expression of pastoral compassion and healing. When an ecclesiastical divorce is granted, the individual is restored to being in good spiritual standing with the Church and is once again able to participate in the sacramental life.
House/Business Blessing Information
We bless all creation and ask for God’s blessings and guidance when we start something new. His Theophany, in January, offers us the opportunity for the blessing of homes, business, vehicles, etc., used in everyday life, and dedicated to God and His glory.
Ordination Information
Clergy in the Orthodox Church are ordained according to Apostolic Tradition through the laying on of hands and the descent of the Holy Spirit. Ordained Clergy have the responsibility of preaching, teaching, administering sacraments as well as guiding the faithful.
Wedding Information
The Sacrament of Marriage blesses the desire for a man and woman to share their lives and to live as a family. The foundation and purpose of this union is love, and through their life together, so that they may become more like Christ.