Yes, please join us each Sunday at 9:30 AM in the Church Social Hall for our Inquiries and Catechumen classes of the Orthodox Faith. Led by Subdeacon Guilherme Petty, beginners receive an overview of the Orthodox beliefs and the historical foundations of the Church of the Apostles. With the aid of engaging visual presentations, Subdeacon Petty provides valuable insights into the teachings and traditions that define the Orthodox Church.

All are welcome to attend.

We warmly invite you to join us for worship and fellowship at Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, conveniently located off the 5th Street Exit of Interstate 64 in Huntington, WV. Our regular schedule includes:

• Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10:30 AM

• Inquirers' Classes on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am (before Liturgy)

• Weekly Bible Study every Wednesday at 12:00 PM

• Saturday Evening Vespers at 5:00 PM

The best times to visit our parish are on Saturday evenings for Vespers or on Sunday mornings for the Divine Liturgy, where you can experience the fullness of Orthodox worship and hospitality. After Liturgy, come down the hallway and introduce yourselves during our coffee hour.

Yes, our services are primarily celebrated in English. However, you’ll also hear hymns and prayers sung in languages such as Arabic and Greek, beautifully offered by our choir to honor the diverse traditions of Orthodox worship.

The Orthodox Church embraces a liturgical worship style that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, deeply rooted in sacred scripture, ancient prayers, and time-honored melodies. By incorporating multiple languages, we honor both the global reach of Orthodoxy and the diverse backgrounds of our parish family.

Not at all—you are warmly welcome to attend an Orthodox Church, whether you’re Orthodox or not.

Many people visit an Orthodox service out of curiosity, spiritual searching, or as guests of friends or family. Orthodox worship is open to everyone, and you’re invited to simply come, observe, and experience the beauty and depth of the Liturgy. There’s no obligation or expectation to participate beyond what you’re comfortable with.

While some parts of the service may be unfamiliar, the community is usually more than happy to offer guidance or answer questions afterward. In fact, visiting an Orthodox Church can be a deeply moving experience, even for those encountering it for the first time.

Parking is easy and convenient at our parish. We have a main parking lot located right next to the church building. If the lot happens to be full, you're welcome to use the overflow parking area just across the street in the grassy field.

We also offer several designated handicap-accessible spaces near the entrance to ensure ease of access for those who need it.

Our service times reflect the reverence of Orthodox worship:

• Saturday Evening Vespers typically last just under one hour.

• Sunday Divine Liturgy generally runs about an hour and a half.

Throughout the year, we also celebrate feast days, special liturgies, and seasonal services, which may vary in length. If you're interested in attending one of these or learning more about what to expect, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to share more details!

Families are always welcome at our parish, and we truly love having children in church! Their presence—and even their joyful noise—is a beautiful sign of life and a reminder that the Church is for all generations.

If you’re bringing little ones, please know that no one expects complete silence. We understand that babies coo, toddlers wiggle, and preschoolers may have curious questions—and that’s okay. We’re glad you’re here.

For infants and young children who might need a break during the service, we offer a cozy and inviting nursery space located at the back of the church. It’s equipped with a chair, toys, and a small collection of children’s books to help provide a peaceful pause if needed. You’re welcome to use this space at any time—no need to ask or feel self-conscious.

The Orthodox Church is a family, and that includes yours. Whether your child sits still for the entire service or needs a moment to move, we’re simply grateful that you're worshipping with us.

In an Orthodox Church, attire tends to reflect the reverence and sacredness of the space. While there’s no strict dress code, modesty and respect are key. Here are a few general guidelines:

• For Everyone: Choose clothing that is clean, modest, and not distracting. Avoid anything too revealing, tight, or with loud graphics or slogans.

• For Women: A dress or skirt below the knee is common, though modest pants are acceptable in this parish. Some women choose to wear a head covering (like a scarf), especially during services, though this is not required.

• For Men: Slacks and a collared shirt work well. A tie or jacket isn’t required but certainly welcome. Shorts and sleeveless tops are best avoided.

The emphasis is on presenting ourselves in a way that is respectful and focused on worship, rather than drawing attention.

If you're not sure what’s typical for your local parish, don’t worry—no one expects visitors to be perfect. The best thing you can wear is a spirit of humility and openness. That always fits.

Upon entering the Church, you'll likely see people crossing themselves, lighting candles, and venerating icons at the entrance. Feel free to observe or participate as you feel comfortable—there's no pressure or expectation. If you're unsure where to sit or what to do, see an usher who would be happy to help guide you.

Orthodox services are deeply symbolic and sensory, filled with ancient prayers, incense, and chanting. Simply being present and open to the experience is a meaningful way to immerse oneself in the beauty of Orthodox worship. The best thing you can bring is a spirit of reverence, humility, and curiosity—everything else tends to fall into place naturally.

Orthodox worship engages all the senses and reflects centuries of sacred tradition. You may see the faithful lighting candles, making the sign of the Cross, bowing, or venerating icons with a kiss—these are expressions of devotion and honor toward God and the saints.

Visitors are welcome to participate in these acts as they feel comfortable, but there is no expectation or pressure. Quiet observation is always appropriate. If you’re unfamiliar with the flow of the Liturgy, feel free to follow along, take in the beauty of the prayers and hymns, and participate to the extent that feels natural.

Each gesture, hymn, and incense offering is part of our worship of the Holy Trinity and reflects the rich life of the Orthodox Church. If you have questions afterward, our clergy and parishioners are always happy to offer guidance or explanation.

There is historical evidence that the ancient church used icons. Many people in the early Christian church were illiterate, and icons served as a means of teaching about Christ.

There's a difference between worshiping an icon and venerating or honoring it. In Orthodoxy, one may not worship an icon — that would be a grave sin. But we can venerate the persons to whom the icons point – Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Icons are meant to inspire us and touch our hearts, helping us connect with the divine. Think of them as windows into the heavenly presence of those who have lived their lives in Christ.

Kissing an icon is not worship, but an act of honor and love toward the person depicted, much like one might kiss a photograph of a beloved family member. Many of us have seen people—regardless of background—hold and kiss pictures of loved ones with affection. The Orthodox Christian shows that same reverence to those who have gone before us in faith.

Throughout the centuries, some icons have been revered as vessels of God's grace, known to be miracle-working, emitting fragrant myrrh, healing the sick, or offering comfort in times of trial. These occurrences aren't magical, but profound reminders that God works through His creation and that the saints are alive in Christ, interceding on our behalf. The Miraculous Myrrh-Streaming "Hawaiian" Iverton Icon of the Holy Theotokos is one example.

To Our Visitors Concerning Holy Communion

Holy Spirit Orthodox Church is a parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East - "the Disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26) We welcome you to worship and appreciate you for joining us. Unfortunately, one of the sad consequences of the division among Christians is that we cannot offer the Eucharist (Holy Communion) to anyone except Orthodox Christians in good moral standing with the beliefs and practices of the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians believe that the Eucharist is a final sign of unity among all Christians and not a means by which unity is achieved.

We invite you to share in the blessed bread that is distributed at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

Please join us for fellowship at coffee hour following the dismissal.

Following the Divine Liturgy, we warmly invite you to join us for fellowship and coffee in our parish hall. This is a wonderful time to meet members of the community, share stories, ask questions, and simply enjoy one another’s company.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning friend, we’d love for you to stay and connect. There's always a place at the table for you!