Frequently
Asked
Questions
All questions are welcome! The Orthodox Faith is a rich treasure to unpack. Marvelous truths are waiting for you.
1
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code at All Saints Orthodox Mission. Dress comfortably and modestly. You will see women veiling, which is an ancient Orthodox practice. When coming to worship God, one should consider dressing in a way that most appropriately responds to God's presence.
2
Are children welcome?
Yes! Our children worship with us. We believe that in order for proper spiritual formation to happen, children need to be IN church, not shuffled off to some program to keep them occupied. Children are full participants in the Orthodox Church, even the wiggly, squirmy, noisy ones. Unless your little one is louder than the priest or the choir, please stay put and relax. We're here to help you raise saints.
3
What is the Holy Orthodox Church?
"The Orthodox Church is evangelical, but not Protestant. It is orthodox, but not Jewish. It is catholic [i.e., universal], but not Roman. It isn't non-denominational - it is pre-denominational. It has believed, taught, preserved, defended, and died for the Faith of the Apostles since the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago." -Abbot Tryphon, All-Merciful Saviour Monastery, WA
4
Are you a different kind of Orthodoxy?
No. We are fully Orthodox, preaching and teaching the dogma of the Church. We participate fully in the Holy Tradition of the Orthodox Church. We live the ascetic life, and worship according to one of the oldest liturgies, that of Saint Gregory the Great, which existed in the West before the Great Schism.
5
What is the Western Rite?
It is a liturgy that was practiced in the West for a thousand years before the Great Schism that created the Roman Catholic Church. For a brief history and explanation, click here.
6
Why do you worship icons? Isn't that idolatry?
We do not worship icons - we venerate them to honor and show respect to the person depicted. Worship belongs to God alone, not to any created thing. For more information about the role of icons in the Orthodox Church, click here.
7
Want to know more about Orthodox worship?
Here is a recording of a talk titled "Ten Things I Wish I had Known before Visiting an Orthodox Church" by Deacon Michael Hyatt. It covers topics such as: what an Orthodox liturgy is based on (spoiler alert: heavenly worship as described in the Scriptures); the Theotokos; veneration is not worship; the sign of the Cross; the priesthood; and the active role worshipers take in the liturgy ("worship is not a spectator sport").
If you would rather read than listen, here is a similar article by Frederica Mathewes-Green.
8
Have a question not answered here?
Contact us! We love to answer questions.
Come and see!
The best way to learn about Orthodoxy is simply to experience it. We invite you to visit us and experience the beauty of the Liturgy. It's okay if you don't understand everything. You will be blessed by just being present. Glory to God!