Here are some of our visitors’ most frequently asked questions:
What Is ROCOR?
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, also known as the Church Abroad, is a self-governing Church within the greater whole of Russian Orthodoxy. Our parish is in the Eastern American Diocese, under His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.
To read about the history of ROCOR, click here.
What Do Orthodox Christians Believe?
The core of our belief is stated in our Symbol of Faith, the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; being of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from the Heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became Man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. On the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into the Heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets.
In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
Can I Visit? Should I Participate?
All are welcome to attend our parish for any services! However, only Eastern Orthodox Christians should approach for Confession, Holy Communion, Blessed Bread, and anointing with Holy Oil. Those who are Eastern Orthodox are strongly encouraged to prepare to receive Holy Communion by having recently been to Confession, reading the appropriate preparatory prayers, and asking for the blessing to partake.
What Should I Wear?
Both ladies and gentlemen who are attending our parish are asked to appear modestly on Church premises. Ladies, please wear clothes that are not tight-fitting or revealing, with sleeves that cover at least beyond the shoulder, a skirt/dress below the knee, and a head covering (headscarf). Gentlemen, please come in long pants (no shorts), and an appropriate shirt (for example, not a t-shirt).