How to Show Proper Respect and Reverence in Church

Receiving the Antidoron, Holy Bread

When receiving the antidoron after Holy Communion or after venerating the cross at the end of Divine Liturgy, do not allow the crumbs to drop, since this is blessed bread. Children will need assistance so that they do not take too many pieces, and so they are not careless in handling the bread. After returning to your seat, you may eat the holy bread as you say prayers after Holy Communion silently while others are communing.

Children in Church

Christ said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14). It is possible for young children to remain in church throughout a service if they are taught to be quiet and respectful. Many parishes have cry rooms or nurseries for those who are too small to be quiet throughout the whole Liturgy. Please be respectful to those around you if your child becomes fussy or out of control, and remove him from the nave of the church quickly. Breastfeeding mothers need to be discreetly modest and, when necessary, use the available facilities such as a cry room for nursing. If in doubt, check with the parish priest for his recommendation.

If a very young child needs a snack, please clear away any leftover pieces.  However, the child should not have anything in his mouth when he comes to Holy Communion.  It is not acceptable at any time to chew gum in church.

It is never appropriate to allow a child to run down the aisles, play loudly, or carry toys that make noise.  Plan to have your children use the restroom and get a drink before church begins, and don't allow them to come and go continually.  Eventually, children will be able to spend longer times in the Liturgy.  That is where they should be, but remember the reasons for coming to church is to pray and worship.

Consider bringing your children into church at a time when the Liturgy is finished to "practice" church behavior. Teach them that they are visiting God's very special house, and they will need to have very special manners there.

Leaving Church

The respectful protocol is to leave the church only after the final blessing, and after kissing or venerating the cross held by the priest at the end of the Divine Liturgy.  It is not acceptable to be in the church hall, kitchen, or an administrative office during Liturgy.  Some parishes have church school at the end of Liturgy.  This is the only exception allowed.  Those who leave early deprive themselves of a blessing.  After walking to the back of the nave of the church, it is customary to face the face the altar, bow, and make the sign of the cross.

Greeting the Priest and Bishop

In our modern culture, we greet one another with a handshake.  The exception to this is when we greet a member of the clergy.  We do not shake a bishop's or priest's hand; we kiss it with reverence and ask for a blessing.  The proper way to do this is to approach the hierarch or priest with right hand over left, palms facing up, and then bow while saying, "Master, bless" to the hierarch, or "Father, bless" to the priest.  If either places his hand in yours while blessing you, this is an appropriate time to kiss his hand.  We kiss his hand because we are honoring Christ, whom he represents.

How to Show Proper Respect and Reverence in Church

Church Clothing

Whenever we are preparing to come to church, we should remember that we will be entering the House of God.  This requires that we dress modestly and with reverence.  Generally this will mean that we want to wear our best clothing.  At any age it is not appropriate to wear shorts, pants that are too casual, short skirts, tight-fitting or transparent garments, garments with low necklines, or strapless tops.  Some Orthodox traditions require women to wear dresses or skirts with covered shoulders and backs.  Although men are not required to wear a suit and tie, they will want to make an effort to dress as if they were going to an important event.  Clothing with logos or printed material distracts others from praying.  Some women have the pious tradition of covering their heads.  Men and boys must remove their hats when entering the church.

Altar Servers have a particular duty to pay attention to their conduct and proper dress because they symbolize the angels of God who reverently stand before His heavenly throne, serving and worshipping Him.  It is the highest honor to serve at the earthly altar; therefore, the altar servers must wear clothing and shoes appropriate to the occasion and carefully prepare their hearts to approach the altar, not in any casual way.  Since the altar robes are blessed by the priest before they are allowed to put them on, the care and handling of their altar robes should be full of respect.

What could be a more important meeting than with God Himself?  The purpose in choosing our clothing wisely is that we model what is important to us by how we dress.

Photography in the Church

Whenever photography will take place during a service at an Orthodox church (including special events such as weddings and baptisms), please make sure to instruct photographers that pictures and videos may not be taken from behind the priest or standing in front of the altar..Fellowship and Coffee Hour

It is the tradition of many parishes to have a time of fellowship that includes food after the Divine Liturgy.  The proper protocol is that the clergy bless the food and drink before the parish begins partaking. In order to show proper honor in the hierarchs and clergy, they and their families should always be served first.  Next to be served are those parishioners who are celebrating a special occasion or for whom a special meal has been prepared.

Be eager to welcome newcomers to your table because this shows hospitality to stranger and will help visitors to feel welcome and comfortable to return to your parish.  This is an important time to teach our children the necessity of manners and God-pleasing honor.

Church Banquets

Often, in order to serve a large group of people at the same time, caterers will preset the banquet tables with the first course.  Before beginning to eat it's important to remember to wait for everyone to be seated and for the blessing of the food.  If there is a program, please remember to listen politely instead of having side conversations that will distract others from hearing.  Remember the context in which this banquet is being held; since it is a parish event, dress respectfully and modestly

Above all:  "In all things give glory to God."

to be continued....