Divine Liturgy
The word Liturgy means public service. Divine Liturgy then means a public service offered to God. The Orthodox Church uses four styles of Divine Liturgies. They are all rooted in the Liturgy that was written and used in Jerusalem known as the Liturgy of St. James. In the fourth century, St. Basil revised the Liturgy of St. James by composing and adding special prayers. St John Chrysostom made further revisions by shortening St. Basil’s liturgy. The Liturgy of St. John is the most frequently used Liturgy in the Orthodox church. The prayers he revised concisely describe God’s plan of salvation fulfilled by Jesus Christ. Participating in this Liturgy is not only prayerful, it is also a learning experience.

Attendance is a Privilege
Orthodox Christians should attend Liturgy every Sunday and on all major feast days of the year. Since attendance is considered a wonderful privilege every effort should be made to be present when the Liturgy begins. The Orthodox Church sees itself as the one great family of Christ, which embodies both the living and the departed. By participating in the Divine Liturgy you will enter this glorious company of the Saints. This idea of a family gives freedom and tolerance while contributing toward the warmth, spontaneity and corporate spirit of the liturgy.

Holy Communion
For Orthodox Christians, partaking of Holy Communion is the most sacred of all acts. It is the sign that they have formally accepted the Orthodox Faith through bap-tism and/or Holy Chrismation (confirmation). In addition Orthodox Christians pre-pare to receive Holy Communion by following established periods of fasting throughout the year and by partaking in the sacrament of confession. It is for this reason that only Orthodox Christians may receive Holy Communion … and they do not participate in any sacraments of other Christian bodies.
At St. John chapel, those who wish to partake of Holy Communion must They are also are encouraged to partake of private confession frequently but not less than once a year.
For those who receive communion each Sunday, Communal confession is offered for preparation. Communal confession is scheduled five times a year during the fasting periods. Visitors who are in good standing of another Orthodox parish are welcome to receive Holy Communion. They must inform the priest. Those who are not Orthodox are welcome to receive the Antidoron. (unconsecrated bread and wine)