Come as you are
Visiting a church for the first time can feel unfamiliar, especially one with traditions as old as ours. Please don’t let that stop you. Coptic Orthodox worship is ancient and rich, but you don’t need to know anything in advance to join us. Simply come, stand or sit with us, and let the prayers of the Church speak.
If you let one of us know it’s your first time, we will gladly help you find your way through the service and answer any questions afterwards.
Visit us on Sunday
Address
154 E 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1Z4
Questions?
A guide to the Divine Liturgy
Length of the service
The Sunday Liturgy is preceded by the Midnight Praises and the Raising of Incense, and together they can last two to three hours. Many people arrive at different points, so feel free to come when you can.
Chanting and incense
Almost the entire service is sung. You will hear hymns and responses in English, Arabic and Coptic, the language descended from ancient Egyptian. Incense is offered as a sign of our prayers rising to God.
Following along
You are welcome to simply listen and pray. If you would like to follow the text, ask a member of the congregation, and they can point you to the Liturgy in English on paper, a screen or a phone app.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is received by baptized Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and confession. At the end of the Liturgy, everyone, including visitors, is welcome to receive the blessed bread (the eulogia) from the priest.
What to wear
We ask everyone to dress modestly, as you would for a respectful occasion. Shoulders and knees covered is a good guide. Many women choose to cover their heads during prayer, but visitors should not feel obliged to.
Bringing children
Children are a joyful part of our worship and are always welcome in the church. Sunday School classes help children and teens learn about the faith at their own level.
After your visit
- Stay and say hello. Many parishioners stay after the Liturgy to visit. Please introduce yourself to Father or anyone nearby.
- Join a weekly meeting. Our Wednesday meeting is a relaxed way to study the Bible and ask questions about the faith.
- Watch online. Services are live streamed on our Live Stream page and YouTube channel.
- Exploring Orthodoxy? If you would like to learn more about the Orthodox faith or about becoming a member of the Church, contact us and Father will be happy to meet with you.
We look forward to meeting you
Have a question before you visit? Send us a message or give us a call, and we’ll be glad to help.