Attending Service at St. Katherine
Welcome! Whether you are new to the Orthodox Church or simply new to St. Katherine, we are glad you are thinking of joining us. Here is everything you need for your first Sunday.
What Time Are Sunday Services?
Every Sunday
Orthros (Matins): 8:15 AM
Divine Liturgy: 9:30 AM
Sunday School: follows Holy Communion
Orthros leads straight into the Divine Liturgy with no break in between. You are welcome to arrive anytime during Orthros; we encourage you to be settled before the Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 AM.
Weekday and feast-day services are listed on our Service Schedule & Calendar and in the Sunday Bulletin. Can't make it in person? All of our services are livestreamed: watch live.
Where We Are
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
2716 N. Dobson Rd.
Chandler, AZ 85224
What to Expect at Sunday Services
The Divine Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy ("the work of the people") is our main service of worship. Its words were composed more than 1,700 years ago and are still prayed today. Our music is offered by chanters, without instruments. Some hymns are in Greek, but most are in English so everyone can follow along.
How long is the service?
The Divine Liturgy begins at 9:30 AM and typically ends around 11:00 AM. Some Sundays it runs a little longer when a memorial service, a 40-day baby blessing or a blessing of the loaves (artoklasia) is added.
Do I have to stand the whole time during Divine Liturgy?
Orthodox Christians stand for most of the service, because we understand worship as work done in the presence of God. If standing is hard for you, please sit whenever you need to. A rough guide:
Around 9:50 AM, everyone sits for the Epistle reading.
Everyone stands for the Gospel reading that follows, then the priest gives the homily.
Around 10:30 AM, the faithful receive Holy Communion.
Movement, candles and icons
You may see people come in, light a candle, and kiss (venerate) an icon even after the service has begun, and make the sign of the cross many times. This is normal. Nobody expects you to do the same; just join in as you feel comfortable.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves through prayer, fasting and confession, so if you are not Orthodox we kindly ask that you not come forward. This is not meant to exclude you: for us, receiving Communion expresses full membership in the Orthodox Church, which everyone is invited to explore. If you would like to learn more, we would love to talk with you.
What is the blessed bread (antidoron)?
At the end of the Liturgy, everyone, Orthodox or not, is welcome to come forward and receive the blessed bread, called antidoron, from the priest's hand.
Can I bring my children?
Children are part of our worship. At Communion, young children are among the first to approach, and afterward they go to Sunday School.
How do I greet the priest?
We address our priest as "Father" followed by his first name (for example, Fr. Timothy). His wife is called "Presvytera."
Want to know more before you come? Read our What to Expect When Visiting an Orthodox Church.
Questions?
We are happy to help. Call or email the parish office anytime during office hours.
Phone: (480) 899-3330
Office: office@st-katherine.org
Priest: priest@st-katherine.org
Office hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM (closed 12:00 – 1:00 PM for lunch)
Where Do I Park?
Lot 1 (blue): the church's own parking lot, right beside the church, including the row along Dobson Rd. on the east side.
Lot 2 (green), Ministry House lot: the grass lot just north of the church. Open for Sunday services.
Lot 3 (orange), Whelan House lot: north of the church, across W Comstock Dr. Open for Sunday services.
If Lot 1 is full on Sunday morning, the Ministry House lot (Lot 2) and the Whelan House lot (Lot 3) are just a short walk away.
