Saint Spyridon's
Orthodox Mission
Nampa, Idaho

Join us

What to Expect

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Vigil lasts about 2 1/2 hours most weeks.

Liturgy is preceded by the third and sixth hours which begin around 9:10 am

Vespers generally lasts 30-45 minutes.

The Moleben with Akathist to Saint Spyridon generally lasts about an hour.

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Confessions are generally heard during the Vigil service the night before liturgy. A limited number of confessions can be heard before the start of liturgy for those who have scheduled beforehand and are there early. 

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We primarily stand during worship, though there are times where sitting is common and there are always seats for those who need to sit. 

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Almost everything in Orthodox worship is sung or intoned. Be prepared for some of it to get stuck in your head.

Dress Code​

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The general rule is to dress nicely because we are in the presence of God, and to dress modestly because we are in the presence of one another. Men should wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. Women should wear dresses or skirts and ... closed toe shoes. Most women will wear a head covering. 

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That being said, if you show up in shorts and a t shirt we will not turn you away. Your clothing budget should never be a barrier to church attendance.

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Children are Welcome

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We have an abundance of young children in our church. They are not the future of our parish, they are an integral part of our parish. Children add to the joy of our celebrations. They are not always (or not often) quiet, calm and peaceful. There are places they can go if they need a break, or if Mom or Dad needs a break, but don't feel obligated to take them out unless they are really in distress. For tips on how to deal with your kids in church feel free to ask any of the other parents, we've all been through it. 

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What should I do?

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What do you want to do? You are welcome to pray with us, you can venerate icons, you can cross yourself, once the responses to the litanies become familiar, sing along. Watch what others are doing, and do what you feel comfortable with. If you have questions about whether something is appropriate, please ask. We all had to learn these things too at some point. 

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What should I not do?

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No one is permitted behind the icon screen unless given an explicit blessing to. That area is reserved for the clergy and those who will be assisting as altar servers. 

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The Orthodox Church practices "closed communion." The sacramental life of the Church is reserved for those who have been baptized and chrismated, who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting, and confession. 

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Confession is also limited to those who have been baptized and chrismated.

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