Icon of Jesus, the Theotokos, and St. John the Russian
The Orthodox Church of St. John the Russian

For Inquirers & Visitors

Welcome!

We extend a prayerful and sincere welcome to all visitors. The Orthodox Church of Saint John the Russian is a growing and vibrant community. Our parishioners come from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. All of our services are in English.

Our parish was founded in 1976 and falls under the omophorion of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR)

Whether you are an Orthodox Christian looking for a parish home, someone interested in Orthodoxy or just visiting the area, we hope that you enjoy your time worshiping with our community.

You are cordially invited to join us for refreshments in our Fellowship Hall after Divine Liturgy.

What to Expect

  • Orthodox worship engages all the senses with incense, icons, candles, and beautiful chanting. If you don't know what to do, you can just observe the service or follow the lead of the parishioners around you.
  • We stand for most of the service, though seats are available for the elderly and infirm.
  • Modest dress is required: headcovers and covered shoulders and legs for women, and semiformal dress for men.
  • Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians only.
  • Everyone is welcome to receive blessed bread (antidoron) at the end of service.

Service Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodox Christianity is the original Christian Church established by Jesus Christ and His apostles. It maintains the unbroken tradition of faith and practice handed down from the apostles, preserving the fullness of Christian teaching and experience.

Becoming Orthodox involves a period of learning, participating in church life, and spiritual formation called catechesis. This process culminates in the sacraments of baptism and/or chrismation. Please speak with our priest about beginning this journey.

The Divine Liturgy is the primary worship service in the Orthodox Church, where we celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion). It is rich in symbolism and has remained essentially the same since the early centuries of Christianity.

Icons are not merely decorative art but "windows into heaven" that help us connect with Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), and the saints. They are venerated, not worshipped, as a way to honor those depicted.

Orthodox Christians typically dress modestly and respectfully for services. While there's no strict dress code, business casual attire is common. Women often wear dresses or skirts (though pants are acceptable), and many cover their heads with scarves. Men typically wear slacks and button-up shirts.

Not at all! Our services are open to everyone. Visitors are always welcome to observe and participate to the extent they feel comfortable. However, Holy Communion is reserved for baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves.

Visit Us

The Orthodox Church of Saint John the Russian is a growing and vibrant community. We extend a prayerful and sincere welcome to all visitors.