I'm New

Are you just visiting or new to our church? This is a great place to begin the journey.

Holy Ascension Orthodox Church is a place where you can deepen your relationship with God, engage in life-giving community, and everyone is welcome. We believe in creating a space where you can have authentic encounters with Christ, discover your gifts and use them for God's glory. Join us on Sunday mornings!

Our Services

Services begin at 9:30 AM. When a priest is present at our services, the entire Divine Liturgy is celebrated. However, on those days when a priest is not present, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word / Liturgy of the Catechumens.  This is generally called The Typica Service or The Readers' Service.

If you’ve been to a Roman Catholic Mass or an Episcopalian Eucharist, you’ll find the structure of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy familiar. It begins with prayer, scripture and teaching, and concludes with Holy Communion (traditionally called the Liturgy of the Catechumens and the Liturgy of the Faithful).

These two segments of the Divine Liturgy are sometimes called The Liturgy of the Word and The Liturgy of the Eucharist.  When we gather for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, we encounter God and we are nourished by God in a very special way.  We affirm that the Lord is present in the Holy Scriptures as well as in the Sacramental Mystery of Communion.  We are nourished by God's Word.  We are nourished by Holy Communion.

Service books are available in the back of the pews that tell us when to stand or sit, but feel free to remain standing or seated at your comfort level. Because we have wooden floors, please enjoy your beverage outside or in the fellowship hall.

Traditionally, in Orthodox churches, men wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts, and women wear long skirts, long-sleeved blouses, and head scarves. However, we do not have a strict dress code, and you may wear whatever you wish, as long as it is modest and in good taste.

After services, you’re invited to join us for refreshments in the fellowship hall.  You’ll find a friendly welcome, good conversation, and an atmosphere where you are invited to share your story and ask any questions you wish.

Holy Communion

The Orthodox Church has never known the practice of “open communion” found among some faith traditions. Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared for the Sacramental Mystery. Orthodox Christians affirm that Christ is truly present in the Holy Communion we receive. Non-Orthodox guests can still venerate icons and relics, kiss the cross, and receive a blessing from the priest at the end of the worship services.

Church School is available for children ages 5-12 years old during days when we have Divine Liturgy.  Children meet for Church School at 9:30 am in the fellowship hall downstairs, then go upstairs for the remainder of the service.