There is a lot to see and experience in an Orthodox Church, and we want to hear from you, especially if you have questions or comments. Most of all, we invite you to come pray and worship with us.  You don't need to be Orthodox to attend. You are welcome to participate in the services as much or as little as you would like; you don't need to know what to do ahead of time.

Please note that while our nave (sanctuary) is wheelchair-accessible through the rear of the building, unfortunately we do not have an accessible washroom.

In the meantime, we hope this section helps orient you before your first visit. If you’re wondering what the Orthodox Church is about, this video may be a helpful introduction.

We are honoured that you are considering joining us for worship! Eastern Christians have a long and rich tradition of encountering God, and we are eager to share that with everyone who comes through our doors. Some aspects of the service may be familiar, and others may not — that’s perfectly normal. Here’s a helpful summary of what to expect.

There is no specific dress code for visitors; we simply ask that you dress respectfully for church.  Some women choose to cover their hair with a scarf, but this is not mandatory at All Saints.

Please arrive a few minutes early to settle in before the service begins. Our main entrance is at the front of the church, with parking in the front and the back. When you enter, one of our greeters will welcome you and answer any questions you may have. We have texts available for most of our services for you to follow if you wish.

Orthodox Christians generally stand in reverence during worship, but please sit whenever you need to. We also use incense in our services; if it causes any discomfort, feel free to step outside for fresh air.

In our age of constant distraction, church is an opportunity to renew our souls and encounter the mysteries of God. Please turn off cell phones and electronic devices during the service. If an urgent need arises, kindly step outside before using your device.

We hold the reception of Holy Communion as sacred and reserve it for Orthodox Christians who have prepared through prayer, fasting, and regular confession.

For our other friends in Christ, we invite you to receive the blessed bread and wine offered on the tray to the side.

If you are visiting from another Orthodox parish and wish to receive Communion, please introduce yourself to Fr. Kyle before approaching the Chalice.

Children at Church

In the Orthodox Church, children are considered full participants in worship, just like adults. Therefore, we keep our children with us during services — we do not offer childcare or Sunday School during the Divine Liturgy. While this may seem daunting to new visitors, rest assured that with practice, children can engage with even our longer services. 

We are used to having children with us - don't worry if your kids get a bit wiggly or make a bit of noise. However, if your child becomes particularly loud or distracting, please feel free to step out of the nave for a short break and return once they’ve settled. A baby monitor is set up in the downstairs hall so you can still follow the Divine Liturgy while you are out.  

Our Parish Library has many children's books for all ages; please feel free to use this quiet space to nurse or feed babies, and books can be brought into the nave for young children to read during the service.  We also have a change table in the Hall in the restroom.

Interested in learning more about All Saints parish or Orthodoxy in general? Please reach out to Fr. Kyle at frkyleparrott@gmail.com . We look forward to hearing from you.

For more in-depth information about the Orthodox Church’s teachings, history, and practices, click here.