Welcome to Emmanuel Orthodox Church in Brookfield, Massachusetts

If this is your first visit to an Orthodox church, welcome. As you enter, you will notice holy icons throughout the church. Orthodox Christians often venerate these icons with a kiss or bow as an expression of love and reverence — not worship. Feel free to observe or participate as you feel comfortable.

Near the entrance you will find a holy water vat. You are welcome to fill a bottle and take holy water home for prayer and blessing.

Our church follows the historic Western Rite, so instead of an iconostasis you will notice an open sanctuary with an altar rail, reflecting the ancient Western tradition.

Orthodox worship is meant to involve the whole person. The congregation joins together in prayer, singing, and responses throughout the Divine Liturgy. Visitors are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish.

You may follow the service using the black pew missal. The bulletin contains the page numbers for the changing propers of the day. Most hymns are found in the maroon hymnal, located on the bookshelf in the narthex, and additional music may be provided as printed handouts.

If you lose your place, don't worry. Those around you will be happy to help.

Orthodox worship is deeply physical because we worship God with both body and soul. You will notice people standing, kneeling, bowing, and making the Sign of the Cross throughout the service. Feel free to participate as you are able, or simply observe until you become familiar with the liturgy.

If you are unable to kneel or stand for extended periods, please remain seated as needed. No one will think less of you.

We invite all Orthodox Christians who are duly prepared to receive Holy Communion. Proper preparation includes faithful fasting, recent confession, being at peace with others, and being on time to the divine services. If you are uncertain whether you are blessed to receive Communion, please wait until you have spoken with Father Chris.

To receive Holy Communion, the Orthodox faithful kneel at the altar rail and the priest administers the Body and Blood of Christ on the worshiper's tongue. Unlike in the Eastern Rite, arms folded across the chest is a sign that you will not receive Communion. This, along with bowing your head, should be your posture if you are not Orthodox or if you are not prepared (by fasting and confession when necessary); the priest will then give a blessing instead of Communion.

Blessed bread (called pan benit or antidoron), which is not the Communion bread, is offered to all as a sign of Christian friendship and hospitality. One or two servers will hold a basket containing the pan benit.

We won't make a public spectacle of you or ask you to do anything uncomfortable.

We lay no expectation on visitors of financial contribution to our parish's ministries.

We love kids! Our children worship together with us — they are not segregated out during our services. If your child is struggling or needs a break, please do not feel embarrassed to make a visit to the fellowship hall until the child is ready to rejoin everyone else in worship.

All of our services at Emmanuel are held in English.