Welcome
Thank you for taking time to visit our website. We hope you’ll also make time to come visit us in person. When you come to visit Saint Cyril of Alexandria Coptic Orthodox Church, you’ll find a vibrant, welcoming community. Our doors are always open to those who are looking for a spiritual home, those that have questions about Christianity or the Orthodox faith, those who just need a supportive community to belong to, or anyone else who wants to attend with us–our doors are open!
FAQ’s
Can You Bring A Friend?
Of course! Our doors are WIDE open to anyone and everyone. We all come with our imperfections, knowing that the grace of God can and will perfect us.
What Should You Wear?
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Sunday morning liturgies last about 2 hours. We usually stand during the services, but there are benches where you can sit down to rest your feet. Beyond that, keep it simple! A conservative “dress code” reflects our desire to show respect for the holiness of God in an Orthodox church (e.g. for men and women, no shorts or sleeveless shirts or blouses; for women, a dress or skirt knee length or longer). And please remember to take off your hat inside the building.
What If Your Kids (or You) Get Hungry?
Since we fast in the morning – from food and drink – prior to the time of worship, it is understandable that people get hungry. Please do not bring food or drink into the worship area. That being said, during the agape meal right after Liturgy, there will be food, coffee, tea, juice and dessert available.
What Should You Do With Your Cell Phone?
Be sure to shut off your phone before the service begins. If you have forgotten to turn it off after services have begun, please do so as quietly as you can.
Where Will Children Be During the Services?
Although young children will be attending a separate Sunday ministry after the agape meal, we do believe that children should stand with their dad, mom or other responsible adult dad during the Divine Liturgy. Please do keep gentle control over your children. As all of us have either been former children, or are parents, or both, we understand that it is not always possible to keep control over children for long periods of time. Orthodox services can be a challenge for children who are not used to standing or sitting for a long period of time, and we recognize that with babies and toddlers, it can be an increased challenge. If you are having problems keeping your children from crying or behaving properly, do not feel embarrassed. Feel free to excuse yourself to the children’s room in the back and then come back in when you can.
What Should You Do During the Liturgy?
In the Coptic Orthodox Church we invite the people to participate by singing along, standing, sitting and signing themselves with the cross, as an outer sign of an inner reality. Although some of the hymns might be new to you, feel free to jump in. That will be the best way to learn but please do avoid talking during the services. And of course, if you have questions, please write them down and we will be happy to answer them after the service is over.
What Should You Do During Time of Communion?
We invite you to come forward to receive a blessing at the end of the service, but please do refrain from coming forward to receive Holy Communion if you are not Orthodox. Communion is a blessed sacrament in the Orthodox Church; it is not a symbolic act. For a variety of different reasons, our Church Fathers have restricted Communion only to those within the Orthodox Faith. Unfortunately, this also applies to our Roman Catholic and Protestant visitors. That being said, we invite everyone present to sing to the Risen Lord by standing in reverence and praising Jesus Christ.
We look forward to meeting you!