Christ is in our midst! · المسيح بيننا
Thinking about coming to a Divine Liturgy for the first time? You are already welcome. Here is everything you need to walk in with confidence and simply pray.
Whether you were raised in the Orthodox Church, are exploring Christianity for the first time, or are simply curious about the icons, the incense, and the ancient chant — there is a place for you at Saint Elias. You don't need to know anything, join anything, or do anything to visit. Come as you are, stand at the back if you like, and let the beauty of the Liturgy speak for itself.
Our pastor, Fr. George Shawareb, and the whole parish love meeting newcomers. If you have a question this page doesn't answer, don't hesitate — reach out through the parish office and we'll be glad to help you plan your first Sunday.
Your First Sunday
Orthodox worship can feel unfamiliar at first — that's completely normal. Here's the practical side, so you can relax and focus on prayer.
The Divine Liturgy begins at 10:00 AM; Orthros (Matins) comes before it at 9:00 AM. Arriving around 9:45 gives you time to find a seat and settle in. If you're running late, don't worry — slip in quietly and join us wherever we are.
There is free parking on-site at 7580 Pierce St, with an accessible entrance for anyone who needs a step-free way in. A greeter near the door will welcome you and point you toward everything you need.
Come as you are. Some folks dress up out of reverence, many come simply and comfortably — either is perfectly at home here. What matters is that you came, not what you wore.
Orthodox worship is active: we stand for much of the service, and you'll see people cross themselves, bow, and kiss the icons. Please join in as you feel comfortable — and sit whenever you need to. No one expects you to know the choreography; just follow along.
Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer and fasting, so we ask visitors not to partake. But everyone is warmly invited to come forward for the antidoron — the blessed bread — at the end of the Liturgy, and to stay for coffee hour afterward.
Please bring them! Children are a joy in an Orthodox parish, not a distraction. Wiggles, whispers, and the occasional escape down the aisle are completely normal — your family belongs in the middle of it all.
The Divine Liturgy runs about 90 minutes. There is no intermission, but you are always free to step out quietly if you need a moment or to tend to little ones.
Sit wherever you like — many first-time visitors choose a spot toward the back, where it's easy to observe, stand and sit at your own pace, and slip out if you need to. There are no reserved pews and no wrong place to be.
Not at all. Our services are open to everyone, and visitors are genuinely welcome — Orthodox or not, believer or seeker. You are free to simply observe and pray. "Come and see" has been the invitation of the Church from the very beginning.
No. Come as you are. Some dress formally, others simply and modestly, and both are completely welcome. Don't let a question about clothes keep you from coming.
Bring them. Children worship right alongside the adults here, and a little noise is part of the joyful life of the parish. You never need to worry that your family is a disruption.
Holy Communion is reserved for Orthodox Christians who have prepared to receive it, so we kindly ask visitors not to partake. Please do come forward for the blessed bread at the end of the service — it is offered to all as a sign of our shared fellowship. If you'd like to learn what it means to become Orthodox and eventually commune, we'd love to walk that road with you.
There is free on-site parking at the church, 7580 Pierce St, Arvada, CO 80003, with an accessible entrance. For a map and directions, see our contact & directions page.
Primarily English. Saint Elias serves a warm Arabic-speaking community, so you will also hear portions and hymns chanted in Arabic — a beautiful reminder of the Church's ancient roots in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. You will have no trouble following along in English.
We're at 7580 Pierce St, Arvada, CO 80003, with free parking and an accessible entrance. For a map, driving directions, and the best way to reach the parish office, visit our contact & directions page.
Come and See
There is no better way to understand Orthodox worship than to be present for it. Come this Sunday — Fr. George and the whole parish will be glad you did. If you let us know you're coming, we'll be watching for you at the door.
