A Guide to Church Etiquette

How to Show Reverence and Respect in the House of God

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The Holy Orthodox Church remains one of the last places where reverence, dignity, and sacred order are preserved. When we step into the church, we enter the Kingdom of God on earth — His holy dwelling place. Our actions, appearance, and attentiveness should reflect that reality.

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This guide is a gentle reminder for personal reflection — not to judge others. While practices may vary slightly among Orthodox cultures, our shared focus remains the same: to pray, to worship, and to stand humbly before God.

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Standing & Sitting

• Stand during the Gospel, Entrances, Anaphora, Communion, blessings, and the Dismissal.

• When in doubt, stand — it’s always appropriate.

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Lighting Candles

• Light candles quietly upon entering the church.

• Avoid lighting them during readings, Entrances, Anaphora, and the sermon.

 

Arriving & Leaving

• Arrive before the service starts if possible.

• If late, wait to enter during a pause — never during readings, Entrances, or the sermon. Late arrivals should not receive Communion.

• Stay until the final blessing (“Let us depart in peace…”). Leaving early disrupts the prayer and flow of worship.

 

Posture

• Avoid crossing your legs. Sit respectfully with feet flat, ready to stand.

 

Venerating Icons

• Kiss the hand, foot, or object the saint holds — not the face.

• Avoid lipstick on icons, crosses, or the communion chalice.

 

Talking in Church

• Speak to God while in church.

• Speak to friends afterward; even whispers can distract those trying to pray.

 

Greeting Clergy

• Instead of shaking hands, greet a priest or bishop by asking for a blessing and kissing their right hand.

 

Sunday Dress

• Offer Christ your best: dress modestly, neatly, and respectfully.

• Avoid casual or distracting clothing.

 

Crossing Yourself

• Cross yourself at mentions of the Trinity, during prayers, entering/exiting church, or before venerating icons.

 

Holy Bread (Nafora)

• Take one piece carefully and eat reverently.

• Supervise children. Take a whole piece to share; do not break your own piece.

 

A Final Thought

Much of church etiquette is rooted in common sense, humility, and reverence. Let us remember we come to stand before God, to worship Him with fear and love, and to support one another in holiness.

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“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Let us enter the Lord’s house with this spirit and heart.