Visitor's Info
Visitors for Divine Services
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All are welcome to come to the Monastery to join us in worship at the Divine Services. However, as the Church is a holy place, we follow the Church’s rules to honor our Lord Who died for our sake.
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While all are welcome for the services, we ask that you do not arrive too early or linger too long afterwards during the daily services so the monks can get back to their obediences. For Feast Days, we will have a common table and share a meal and fellowship together.
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Entrance into the Altar is only for Eastern Orthodox clergy and servers who have a blessing from the Abbot.
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No animals and pets allowed.
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No smoking or vaping, etc on the premises.
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Visitors are not allowed to enter the monastics’ cells nor the basement.
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Dress code for men: Pants, not shorts; shoulders covered; no hats; no strong colognes, etc.
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Dress code for women: Headcovering while on the grounds; olng, loose-fitting dress or skirt (below the knees) with shoulders covered. No makeup or lipstick.
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Dress code for clergy: wear the appropriate Church attire while on the grounds in accordance with one’s rank.
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For those who would like to donate, we have a box on the table in the living room where you may put your donation. May Christ reward you for your cheerful giving!
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Schedule can change - please email or contact one of the Monks first before you show up to confirm the schedule.
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Please leave your cell phones and electronic devices outside of the church in order to maintain prayer and silence.
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If you would like to sing, read, chant, or serve, you must have an explicit blessing from the Abbot beforehand.
Confession & Holy Communion
For those who desire to receive Holy Communion please note the following:
• Only Eastern Orthodox Christians may receive Holy Communion
• You must have Confessed recently
• Please fast from all food and drink from midnight the night before Divine Liturgy until after the post-communion prayers
• Please read the Rule of Preparation for Holy Communion (often done in the Church before a Divine Liturgy is served)
• If you arrive to the Liturgy after the reading of the Holy Gospel, you should abstain from communing at said Liturgy
• When receiving Holy Communion: keep your arms crossed, and open your mouth to allow the priest to place the communion spoon into your mouth, close your mouth over the spoon and allow the priest to remove it from your mouth leaving the Precious Body and Blood. A deacon or server will wipe your mouth with the communion cloth, after which you should kiss the chalice (not the priest’s hand). Do not make the sign of the Cross while standing before the chalice, and do not touch either the chalice or communion cloth with your hands or head lest the Mysteries be spilled.
Overnight Guest Guidelines
For those who would like to stay overnight, please contact the Guestmaster who will ask you some questions about your trip and yourself and then he will get a blessing from the Abbot to bless your trip. Not every visit is blessed, so please wait to hear back from us first and do not assume we have a place for you to stay.
Attached below (click the sentence below in blue) are our guidelines for our overnight guests. If you are a man and wanting to visit, please return the information form at the end of the PDF. Thank you! May God bless!
We look forward to your visit at the Monastery of St. Demetrios!