Orthodox Christian belief and worship are inseparable. As we believe, so we pray. At its heart is our belief that
Jesus Christ was both God and Man. He was borne by Mary, the Theotokos (literally God-bearer). He came to redeem and sanctify the whole of Creation. This means that for us Orthodox, our physical being and our senses were created holy and good. Our worship reflects this, and so you will find, when you come to an Orthodox service, that the worship involves all the senses. We stand surrounded by icons in a beautiful place, we hear the singing and respond to the invitation "In peace let us pray to the Lord." We smell the fragrant incense as our prayers rise to Heaven. We are in a special place to do something special. And as we gather in this special place, we remember that it is us, Orthodox Christians, who are the Church. For we are the Body of Christ, a living organism that gathers together in His Name.

Underpinning the worship and our belief is Tradition, handed down to us through time, from the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost. In the early centuries the Church Fathers, guided by the Holy Spirit, assembled the Scriptures, defended the Tradition from heresies and wrote the Liturgy, a weaving together of Holy Scripture and inspired writings. This is the foundation of the Liturgy we use today.

It is a precious gift: we defend it on behalf of the whole world. "For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

What will you find if you come to one of our services?

The Iconostasis (Icon Screen) is probably the first thing that will strike you. It is in front of the Holy Altar, and is covered with icons. In the centre are the Holy Doors through which are brought the Word of God and the Holy Gifts of the Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ. To the right of the doors is the icon of Christ, and to the left, the icon of Mary, the Holy Theotokos, the Bearer of God. There are icons of saints, apostles, martyrs, and prophets,  both on the screen and around the church. We pray before the icons, and we reverence those depicted, as friends,guides and intercessors.

The Holy Altar (Sanctuary) beyond the screen represents heaven. It is here that the Priest prepares the Holy Gifts and offers the worship of the faithful, assisted by the Deacon and Server.

On the Holy Table (Altar), at the centre of our worship is the Holy Gospel, the Word of God,  ready to be brought to the people.

The Nave, where the faithful stand facing east, represents this world, this life. On entering the church, the faithful light candles and reverence the icons as preparation for worship. Orthodox Christians rarely kneel when they pray, nor do they close their eyes. They keep their minds and bodies open to receive the Holy Spirit, to become one with God.

People stand throughout the service if they are able, but there are chairs around the side for those who need them. Be guided by those around you as to when it is important to stand. The services are chanted, and the choir sings without accompaniment, using traditional settings. At certain points during the service the Priest comes in procession into the Nave, censing the people and the icons and the whole church. At the Divine Liturgy, only the Orthodox may receive the Holy Gifts, but at the end of the service blessed bread is shared among all those present.

Coming to the Divine Liturgy is the best way of beginning to understand Orthdoxy. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't expect to understand it all at once. But do come -- come home.