Visiting an Orthodox Church
A guide for visitors and anyone seeking to learn more about Orthodox worship, our sacred space and traditions, and what to expect during your visit.
What to expect
Beauty, Worship and a Living Tradition
Beauty and Symbols
The Orthodox Church believes that God is the Creator of heaven and earth. The Creator is present through His handiwork. This means that the material world, being valuable and good (Genesis 1:31), is an important means through which God shows His love for us. The Orthodox Church affirms these convictions through her extensive use of material creation, not only for the adornment of places of worship but also in the Holy Eucharist (Communion), the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) and other prayer services. For example, when bread and wine — the “first fruits of creation” (Romans 11:16) — are offered in the Holy Eucharist, they are also a symbolic offering of all creation to God, its Creator. The Divine Liturgy is the Church's great action and prayer of thanksgiving, at the heart of which is the Holy Eucharist. Using the gifts of creation, the interior of an Orthodox church is a place of beauty. Designed to create a special atmosphere, the building expresses a sense of joy and appreciation of God's blessings. Orthodoxy recognises that beauty is an important dimension of human life. Through iconography and church furnishings, the beauty of creation becomes an important means of praising the Triune God. The divine gifts of the material world are shaped and fashioned by human hands into expressions of beauty that glorify the Creator. Just as the pious woman in the Gospel anointed Our Lord with precious oil, Orthodoxy seeks always to offer back to God our gifts of beauty and praise.
Sacred Space
The church interior is both the background and the setting for Orthodox worship. Its art and architecture are designed to contribute to the whole experience of worship, engaging the mind, heart and senses. The Holy Eucharist and the other Holy Mysteries take place in God's presence and bear witness to His presence and actions. In the Orthodox tradition, there is a profound understanding that the church is the “House of God” and the “place where His glory dwells.” God is present everywhere, and we may turn to Him in prayer in all places and circumstances. Yet the interior of the church is designed to help us lift our hearts in song and prayer. For this reason, Orthodox churches are blessed, consecrated and set apart as sacred spaces dedicated to worship. The whole church bears witness to God's dwelling among His people.
Explore the Sacred Space
Discover the different parts of an Orthodox church and how its architecture, sacred furnishings and holy icons contribute to the experience of worship.
The Narthex, Nave and Sanctuary
Traditionally, an Orthodox church is designed to emphasise and enhance the sense of community in worship. The church is often constructed in the form of a cross and is divided into three principal areas: the narthex, the nave and the sanctuary.
The Narthex
The narthex is the entrance area where the faithful may make an offering, receive a candle, and light it before an icon or in a designated area. Here, the faithful offer a personal prayer before entering the nave and joining the congregation.
Lighting candles for the living and the departed is a traditional expression of Orthodox prayer and devotion.
The Nave
The nave is the large central area of the church where the faithful gather for worship as members of the community of faith.Although many Orthodox churches in Australia have pews, some retain the traditional custom of an open nave with few seats, allowing the faithful to stand together in prayer.
On the right-hand side of the nave is often the bishop's chair, from which he presides as a living icon of Christ among his people. Even in the bishop's absence, the chair reminds us that the Parish is not an isolated community but part of a wider diocese or metropolis under the spiritual care of its bishop.
On the left-hand side of the nave is traditionally the pulpit, where the Gospel is proclaimed, and the sermon preached. The baptismal font may also be placed in this area, while the choir and chanters frequently occupy spaces at the sides of the nave or in a loft.
The Sanctuary
The sanctuary is the most sacred part of the church and is reserved for the clergy and those assisting in the services. It contains the Holy Altar and is separated from the nave by the iconostasis.
The Holy Altar
The Altar, or Holy Table, is the heart and focal point of the Orthodox church. As God's people, we gather before the Altar, where the Eucharistic gifts of bread and wine are offered to God the Father, as Christ commanded us at the Last Supper.
The Altar is usually square in shape, stands away from the wall, and is covered with cloths. Upon it are placed sacred objects used in worship, including the Book of Gospels and a tabernacle containing reserved Holy Communion for the sick or dying.
Behind the Altar is often a large cross bearing the image of the crucified Christ. In some churches, the bishop's chair is also located behind the Altar.
The Iconostasis
The iconostasis is the screen of holy icons that separates the sanctuary from the nave.
Its origins lie in the ancient custom of placing icons upon a low wall before the sanctuary. Over time, these icons became fixed upon a standing screen.
In contemporary Orthodox churches, the iconostasis may be elaborate, concealing much of the sanctuary, or it may be simple and open, reflecting a more ancient custom.
Holy Icons
An icon is a holy image and a distinctive art form of the Orthodox Church. It may be a painting on wood or canvas, a mosaic, or a fresco.
Occupying a prominent place in Orthodox worship and theology, icons depict Christ Our Lord, the Virgin Mary (the Theotokos), the saints, and angels. They may also portray events from the Holy Scriptures or the history of the Church, such as the Birth of Christ, the Resurrection, or Pentecost.
The icon is not simply decorative, inspirational, or educational. Most importantly, it signifies the presence of the person depicted.
The icon is like a window linking heaven and earth
When we worship, we do so as part of the Church, which includes the living and the departed. We never lose contact with those who are with the Lord in glory. This belief is expressed every time one venerates an icon or places a candle before it. Orthodox churches have icons not only on the iconostasis but also on the walls, ceilings, and in arches.
Above the sanctuary, in the apse, there is frequently a large icon of Mary, the Theotokos, with the Christ Child. The Orthodox Church holds the Theotokos in the highest honour among the saints. This prominent icon recalls her unique role in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The icon is also an image of the Church. It reminds us of our responsibility to give birth to Christ's presence in our own lives.
The icon of Christ the Almighty, the Pantocrator, is often found on the ceiling or in the dome. It portrays the triumphant Christ, who reigns as Lord of heaven and earth. Looking downward, it appears as though the whole church and all creation come from Him. Looking upward, we are reminded that all things direct us towards Christ the Lord.
He is the “Alpha and the Omega” (Revelation 22:13), the beginning and the end of all.
This is the message of Orthodoxy.
Attire and Conduct
Guidelines for Visitors
Out of respect for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Holy Tradition and ancient customs of the Orthodox Christian Faith, and one's own self-respect, all are asked to wear suitable, modest attire and behave appropriately.
You are cordially welcome to our church. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We kindly ask parishioners and visitors to observe the following guidelines.
Appropriate Attire
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Shorts are not permitted in the church for men or women over 12 years of age.
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Women's skirts should cover the knees.
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Sleeveless shirts, halter tops, and clothing exposing the midriff are not appropriate.
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Men should wear long trousers.
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Beachwear, sportswear and athletic attire are not permitted.
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T-shirts displaying slogans, logos, pictures, or mottos, and tank tops should not be worn.
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Shirts and blouses should be modestly buttoned.
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Men are asked to remove hats and other head coverings.
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Women may choose to cover their heads.
Reverence and Conduct
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Smoking is not permitted inside the church or on its steps.
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Food and chewing gum are not permitted in the church.
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Women should blot their lipstick before kissing icons.
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When the Holy Doors of the sanctuary are open, the faithful should face the Altar, with hands at their sides or held together at the waist. Hands should not be kept in pockets or arms folded behind the back or across the chest.
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Candles are dedicated offerings made by the faithful for the living and the departed.
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Please turn off mobile phones before entering the church. If you need to leave during a service, please do so quietly.
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Greetings with kisses or handshakes should take place outside the church. While inside, a quiet nod of the head is appropriate when acknowledging friends or relatives.
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These customs help preserve the prayerful atmosphere of the church and reflect the reverence with which we approach Orthodox worship.
Holy Communion
When you visit, please keep in mind that the Orthodox Church practices closed communion. This is not for triumphalist reasons, but for very important theological reasons. In doing so, we follow the practice of the ancient Church. "Open communion" is a relatively recent innovation and was not the practice of the Church beginning in the New Testament period.
All are welcome to come forward at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy to share in the antidoron – the blessed bread – which is offered to all.