Becoming an Orthodox Christian
Participating in the sacramental life of the church is essential for every Orthodox Christian. It is important to understand, however, that these sacraments are available to, and shared with, only those who are Orthodox. If you are baptized and/or official confirmed in the Orthodox Church, you are urged to strengthen your faith through frequent reception of the sacraments. At the same time, if you have not been baptized in the Orthodox Church, or have not officially joined the church through the sacrament of confirmation offered in the formal ceremony of reception, we respectfully ask that you refrain from receiving the sacraments, although you are invited to attend the worship of the church.
For those of you among us who are not Orthodox, but who nonetheless feel attracted by, and called to, our ancient traditions of faith and worship, and who might wish to live in a Christian faith sustained and nourished in the Orthodox sacramental life, we assure you of a heartfelt welcome. We consider our faith a priceless treasure and would be pleased to share it with you through the life and fellowship of our parish.
We invite you to participate in an annual course of instruction on the history, teaching, worship and traditions of the Orthodox church. If you are nearing a commitment to becoming Orthodox, are merely contemplating the possibility, or are married to an Orthodox spouse and wish to learn more about our church, this course of study speaks to your special needs. Taught weekly from January until Holy Week each year, it seeks to inform and prepare those who wish to deepen their understanding of our faith. If interested, please feel free to approach a parish priest for further details.
For more information view our Inquirers Study Group page.
Ministry Resources
ORTHODOX LIFE: MONTHLY BULLETIN
Archives of the St. Vasilios monthly bulletin Orthodox Life. Learn more »
PARISH MINISTRIES BOOKLET
Information about various ministries at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church Learn more »
Orthodox Marketplace
The official online store of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Learn more »
Send an Iconogram
Send a message to a loved one or a friend in celebration of a name day, feast day, or sacrament. Learn more »
Upcoming Events
Church Calendar - Services & Events > Click Here
Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.