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The Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the ancient apostolic Churches of Christianity. The word “Coptic” means Egyptian, and our Church traces its foundation to Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist, who preached the Gospel in Alexandria in the first century.

Today, the Coptic Church extends throughout the world and includes people from many cultures and backgrounds united in the Orthodox Christian faith.

At SPSA, we seek to preserve this ancient faith while sharing it clearly with our children, our community, and everyone God brings through our doors.

There is no need to dress formally simply because you are visiting us. We ask everyone to dress modestly and respectfully, remembering that we are entering a place of prayer and coming before God.

The emphasis is not on judging what someone is wearing.

Come to church. Come to Christ.

Families are welcome to sit and worship together.

Our church has a unique six-sided design, with seating surrounding the sanctuary from several sides. Simply choose a place where you and your family are comfortable.

There is no “wrong” place for a visitor to sit.

Our church building was originally an Episcopal church and later became the home of Saint Peter & Saint Andrew Coptic Orthodox Church.

Because of its unique six-sided design, the congregation gathers around the sanctuary, with our attention drawn toward the altar.

For us, this beautifully expresses something at the heart of Orthodox worship:

Christ is in our midst.

We are not an audience watching a service. We are the Church gathered around Christ.

The altar is central because the Holy Eucharist is at the center of our worship. Everything continually brings our attention back to Christ.

Around our sanctuary you will see icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, the angels, apostles, and saints.

Icons are not simply decorations, and we do not worship them. Worship belongs to God alone.

They proclaim that God truly became man in Jesus Christ and remind us that when we worship, we are not alone. The Church on earth joins the worship of Heaven.

A candle is a simple offering of prayer.

Its light reminds us of Christ, who said:

“I am the light of the world.”

John 8:12

People may light candles while praying for themselves, their families, those who are suffering, or those who have departed.

Visitors are welcome to light a candle and pray.

Incense has been part of the worship of God’s people since biblical times.

The Psalmist prays:

“Let my prayer be set before You as incense.”

Psalm 141:2

As the incense rises, we are reminded that our prayers rise before God.

Orthodox worship involves the whole person. We do not only hear the Liturgy—we see it, hear it, smell it, touch it, and participate in it.

The Divine Liturgy is the heart of our life as Orthodox Christians.

The word “Liturgy” comes from the Greek leitourgia, meaning “the work of the people.”

The Liturgy is therefore not something the priest performs while everyone else watches. We worship together.

We gather to hear God’s Word, offer praise and thanksgiving, pray for the Church and the world, and ultimately approach the mystery of the Holy Eucharist.

At the center of all of this is not a ritual.

It is a Person: Jesus Christ.

Sunday worship commonly lasts a few hours and includes prayers, hymns, Scripture readings, the sermon, Eucharistic prayers, and Holy Communion.

For someone visiting for the first time, this may feel long. But Orthodox worship asks us to slow down.

We spend much of our lives rushing from one responsibility to another. The Liturgy invites us to give God something precious: our time and our attention.

Our worship at SPSA is primarily in English.

The Scripture readings, sermon, and most prayers are in English so that our children, visitors, and community can understand and participate.

You will also hear some ancient Coptic hymns and responses, connecting us with generations of Christians who worshipped before us.

The screens throughout the church help everyone follow along.

If you lose your place, do not worry. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply listen and pray.

You will see people standing, sitting, bowing, making the Sign of the Cross, and praying throughout the Liturgy.

Standing is the traditional posture of Orthodox prayer, especially during the Gospel and Eucharistic prayers.

But please do not worry about following every movement perfectly.

If you need to sit, sit.

The purpose of our outward actions is not simply to follow rules. They help direct our heart, mind, soul, and body toward God.

We make the Sign of the Cross in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.

The Cross reminds us of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

As a visitor, you are welcome to make the Sign of the Cross, but you should never feel pressured to copy everything happening around you.

Before the Eucharistic prayer, the congregation exchanges a sign of peace.

Christ teaches us:

“First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Matthew 5:24

Before approaching the altar, we are reminded to seek peace and reconciliation with one another.

When the Holy Gospel is read, we stand because we believe Christ speaks to His Church through His Word.

The Gospel is not simply information about something Jesus said two thousand years ago. God’s Word is living.

As you listen, ask one simple question:

“Lord, what are You saying to me today?”

The sermon helps us understand the Scripture readings and, more importantly, asks how God’s Word should shape the way we live today.

At SPSA, the sermon is normally given in English and is meant to connect the ancient faith of the Church with our daily lives.

Absolutely.

Children belong in the Church.

They are not simply the future of the Church. They are part of the Church today.

Children learn the Liturgy by experiencing it—seeing the altar, smelling the incense, hearing the hymns, watching their parents pray, receiving blessings, and gradually discovering that the Church is their spiritual home.

They may move. They may make noise. They may need a break.

That is okay.

Parents should never feel embarrassed because their children are present in church.

Absolutely.

None of us understood the Divine Liturgy in one day.

Orthodox worship has tremendous depth, and we continue discovering it throughout our lives.

Come again.
Listen.
Ask questions.
Read the Scriptures.
Pay attention to one new prayer each time.

And most importantly: pray.

Understanding grows with experience.