Welcome
Welcome to Emmanuel Orthodox Church in Brookfield, Massachusetts
We are a Christ-centered Orthodox Christian community rooted in the ancient faith of the Apostles, where worship, prayer, and fellowship come together.
Whether you are visiting for the first time, exploring Orthodoxy, or searching for a church home, you will find a warm welcome and an invitation to encounter Jesus Christ through the beauty of the historic Christian faith.
About Our Services
What to Expect
Entering the Church
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.
Participating in the Service
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.
Standing, Kneeling & Other Customs
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.
At the Lord's Table
Holy Communion
The Orthodox Church practices closed Communion. Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, repentance, and Confession according to the discipline of the Church.
If you are not Orthodox, or if you are not receiving Communion, we warmly invite you to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest. The priest will gladly offer you a blessing.
Following Communion, everyone is invited to receive Antidoron, also called blessed bread. While it is not Holy Communion, it is blessed bread shared as a sign of Christian fellowship and hospitality, and all visitors are welcome to receive it.
Helpful Information
Good to Know
Restrooms
The restroom is located outside the church building. If it is locked, a key is hanging beside the front entrance. Simply walk down the accessible ramp along the side of the building, and it will lead you directly to the restroom.
Dress
Our only dress code is simple: wear what you would wear if Jesus were coming to your home for dinner. We encourage modest, respectful attire while recognizing that everyone comes from different backgrounds and circumstances.
Holy Water
In the narthex you will find a holy water vat. Please feel free to fill a bottle and take some home for prayer and blessing throughout the week.
Giving
Guests are never expected to give. For our parish family, we follow a simple principle:
Give whatever you can cheerfully give, and then pray that God will increase your cheerful giving.
Giving is an act of gratitude and worship rather than obligation.
Thank you for joining us today. If you have any questions, please introduce yourself to Fr. Christopher or one of our parishioners. We would be delighted to meet you and help make your visit a blessing.
May God bless you, and welcome to Emmanuel Orthodox Church.
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