The primary form of worship in the Eastern Church is the Divine Liturgy - equivalent of the "Mass" in the Western Church, but not properly referred to as such. We welcome all to join us, and we hope that the following information will help make all more comfortable when in attendance:

When entering the church one proceeds to their seat. When entering your seat, the Eastern custom is to bow toward the altar and make the Sign of the Cross. This practice is the equivalent of genuflecting, and is the proper form of veneration in the Eastern Church.

With the exception of the homily and the prayer before Communion, the Liturgy is intoned or chanted. Liturgical books can be found in the back of the church so that all may participate. One can expect the average Liturgy to last about one hour.

During the Liturgy, the Sign of the Cross is made frequently: 1. When the priest incenses the people before and during the Liturgy 2. At every mention of the Holy Trinity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit 3. At every blessing of the people by the priest Peace be with all. 4. During the Trisagion, the Hymn which praises the Trinity Holy God, Holy and Mighty... 5. Before and after receiving the Eucharist, and at the blessing after Communion.

In the Eastern Church, the Sign of the Cross is made in its most ancient form. On the right hand, the thumb, index finger, and middle finger are placed together representing the Trinity as Three, yet One, and the remaining two fingers are drawn into the palm representing the two natures of Christ - God and man. The Sign of the Cross is basically made in the usual manner, except that the movement from the abdomen is to the right shoulder first representing Christ's Ascension to the right hand of the Father, then to the left shoulder.

Do not feel the need to change the manner in which you make the Sign of the Cross, as this would probably make you feel uncomfortable. We have a number of parishioners who grew up in the Western Church and joined the Eastern Church later in their life.

Eastern Catholics stand in church on Sundays in celebration of the Resurrection and also on great holy days to acknowledge that Christ has redeemed and saved us by His Blood. We acknowledge and accept this salvation by standing as freed men and women in His presence.

The Eastern Church uses leavened risen bread to consecrate, symbolizing the Risen Christ in our midst. The Eucharist is always received in both Body and Blood, except under certain conditions. When receiving, one is to stand before the priest and tilt back the head while opening the mouth. The priest will then drop the particle into the mouth by using a gold spoon.

Do not be surprised to see young children and infants receiving the Eucharist. Aside from being the Mystery of Mysteries, the Eastern Church considers reception of the Eucharist essential to being in full communion with the Church. Following Baptism, the newly welcomed member is immediately Chrismated, Confirmed, then receives the Eucharist for the first time.

On Feast Days, an Anointing is held following the Liturgy. During this rite, one approaches the priest for a blessing on the forehead with sanctified oil. Following the blessing, one proceeds to the altar server to take a small piece of blessed bread. This rite is done as a form of dismissal.