Diocese of New York & New Jersey · Orthodox Church in America
I am glad you found us. If you have never been inside an Orthodox church, you might feel a little lost your first time, and that is completely fine. Come on a Sunday, sit, observe. If you have questions afterward, I would genuinely like to talk. Fr. Solomon Longo, Rector
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The ancient evening prayer of the Church, welcoming the Lord's Day as it begins at sundown.
Learn moreThe central act of Orthodox Christian worship, offered as it has been since the first century of the Church.
Learn moreThe full calendar of services, feast days, and fasting seasons. See what the Church commemorates today and what is coming this week.
See the calendarWhat is the Orthodox Church? Where does it come from, and how does it differ from what you may have grown up with?
Read moreThe Nicene Creed, the Holy Trinity, the Theotokos.
Read moreFounded in 1907, elevated to a cathedral in 2020. An immigrant parish that put down roots on Grand Street and never left.
Read moreIf it is your first time, Sunday Liturgy is the natural place to start. Vespers on Saturday evening is shorter and quieter, about 45 minutes, and a good introduction if you want to ease in.
Divine Liturgy runs about an hour and thirty minutes. Most of it is sung or chanted by the choir in English, with some Greek and Slavonic. You will smell incense and see the clergy process with the Gospel and the holy gifts. You do not need to follow along perfectly. Bulletins are available at the entrance with the day's readings and hymns.
Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and confession. If you are not Orthodox, you are welcome to receive the antidoron, the blessed bread and wine that are sitting to the side during communion.
Modest, respectful attire. There is no strict dress code, and you will be welcomed regardless of what you wear. That said, this is a reverent act of worship, and most parishioners dress accordingly. Women traditionally cover their heads inside the church, encouraged but never required. Men typically remove hats before entering. Families with children are welcome, and there is a small area near the back if you need space.
You do not need to bring anything. Just show up.
Read through the history, theology, and worship of Orthodoxy. Track what you have read and build a daily prayer rule.
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Create Profile →“Even the face of Moses was illumined by his association with God. Do you not know that Moses was transfigured when he went up the mountain, and there beheld the Glory of God? But he…
This parish has kept its doors open through two world wars, a century of change in Jersey City, and a Cathedral designation, not through endowments, but through the faithfulness of ordinary people. Your gift, large or small, keeps the lights on, the choir singing, and the doors unlocked for the next person who needs to find us.
Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Psalm 95:6Orthodox Christianity is the ancient Faith of the Apostles, unchanged in doctrine, worship, and way of life for two thousand years. We do not ask you to believe before you belong. Come, observe, and ask questions freely.
Your answers go only to Fr. Solomon. He will respond personally. There is no obligation and no pressure, only a warm welcome.