Orthodoxy in America
Welcome Visitors! - ALL are welcome - come and see!
If you are searching for the True Faith - you may find new things to experience in an Orthodox Church Service. Please feel free to ask any questions, everyone is welcome to come and see!
Am I welcome to attend if I am not Orthodox - Yes absolutely! The faith is open to everyone, and you are welcome here. We welcome inquirers and visitors. Please let us know if you are interested in learning more and we will make sure to have you speak with our Priest.
How long is the service? - Great Vespers on Saturday evening are approximatley 45 minutes long. Sunday Divine Liturgy is approximately 90 minutes. You will notice we stand alot! If you are visiting and new, please feel free to sit as this may be a new experience for you.
What should I wear? - Most people have the "Sunday Best" general rule, however you are very welcome to come however you feel, you are still welcome. Head coverings for women is a personal practice, and we do not require that to attend, however if that is your practice please feel free to wear one.
Is the service in English - Yes! they are primarily in English.
Who do people light candles? - Lighting candles is an important part of worship. Candles can be purchased and lit making an offering to God with your prayers.
If I am not Orthodox, can I receive Communion? - Orthodox priests are only able to give the Eucharist to Orthodox Christians who have recently confessed and have fasted appropriately. The Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Eucharist is the actual body and blood of Jesus. For one to receive Communion who is not currenty Orthodox, you would need to meet with the priest to understand the process of converting to Orthodoxy.
What do I do if someone offers me a piece of bread following Communion? - After one receives Communion, we have Holy Bread and wine. This is blessed bread, not Holy Communion. A parishoner may offer you a piece of this bread and you are welcome to accept and enjoy this as a sign of welcome.
What happens after the service on Sunday? - You are welcome to attend our Coffee Hour! it is located in our Parish Hall and everyone is welcome to attend. This is a great time for fellowship, meet our clergy, and ask any questions you may have.
We welcome all to experience and share Christ's love! Please refer to www.oca.org for further information on the Orthodox Faith, or feel free to stop by and pick up any phamplets we have or our bulletin.
Our parish of St. Andrew welcomes you and thanks you for joining us in true worship and praise! We hope that you will return to worship with us regularly. If you should desire any information about our parish, or the Orthodox Faith please emal: st.andreweoc@gmail.com!
Divine Services:
Saturday - Adult Lecture Class at 3:00 pm
Saturday - Great Vespers at 4:00 pm
Sunday - Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am (hours begin at 9:00 am)
On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Archpriest Father Emilian D. Hutnyan ws awarded the 2021 Maple Heights Citizen of the Year award by Mayor Annette M. Blackwell. Mayor Blackwell stated several times that when she is in need of something she can call Father Emilian and he always answers. 2020 Fr. Emilian celebrated 30 years of he Holy Priesthood. He was awarded the proclamation at the State of the City meeting for being a valued and selfless dedicated resident of Maple Heights, OH. Because of his diplomatic and prudent judgement he has been called on by the Mayor and the City Administration to assist in conflict resolution. He has also offered his own money for a reward to residents who were instrumental in saving a young mother and child's life. He has offered the hall at no cost to the Mayor, Council Members, Department Heads for community meetings, Easter Fest, Community Shred Days, and the Mobile Farmer's Market. The Farmer's market takes place once a month at St. Andrew, and Fr. Emilian is the first one there to open the doors and assist with the distribution of food. He also welcomes local youth to feel free and safe to play, bike, skateboard, etc. in the church parking lot, and often times inviting them in for a soft drink and show them the church. He offers weekly prayers for the Mayor, Police and Fire Departments, and First Responders. On behalf of the St. Andrew Council and beloved parishioners, we would like to congratulate Fr. Emilian on this wonderful and well deserved honor.
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Local Heros Recognized - 01/16/2019
On Wednesday, January 16, 2019 the City of Maple Heights recognized two young men who on the evening of December 23, 2018, took action and saved the lives of two local residents. You can read about these two young gentlemen in the link below. Fr. Emilian and several parishoners were present during this wonderful event and reception. State and local officials were there as well as the two young men, their families, and the family they saved. Fr. Emilian offered two prayers for the men, families, First Responders, and for the City of Maple Heights. He also offered the men and the family a very nice donation to reward them for their selfless act of heroism. We are very proud of these young men, and our city of Maple Heights for honoring them!
https://www.faithwire.com/2018/12/28/good-samaritans-help-save-unconscious-women-and-toddler/
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16029 Maple Park Drive - Maple Heights, OH 44137 - 216-475-9365
