Know Your Visitors
A new person or family has come to your parish for the first time...why? They may have become curious after coming to a food festival, they may have read about Orthodoxy and decided to 'check it out', they may be Orthodox who have relocated to your area...their reasons are as varied as the people themselves. However, all have a few share characteristics...
Attention
They don't want to be coldly ignored or uncomfortably made the center of attention. Making them stand up in church for recognition, wear some kind of tag or similar action will make them self conscious and unlikely to return.
Information
Most visitors will have no experience with Orthodox worship and think they are going to just another 'church' with fancier pictures. Most people want to 'blend in' and not stand out: this can be difficult when everyone is crossing themselves at certain times, bowing, and singing responses with no book to use. The biggest culture shock is standing: they will either wonder 'where are the pews' or 'why don't they use the pews', particularly as the first hour passes and the end isn't in sight.
A brief brochure or verbal explanation before liturgy starts is very helpful as is knowing where seats are, if needed, and where the bathrooms are located. If there are significant parts of the liturgy in a non-English language, let them know in advance. Making sure that they know that only Orthodox Christians may receive communion will avoid embarrassment just and letting them know they are welcome to come forward for antidoron at the end of the liturgy will avoid confusion as to what they should do.
Introduction
For those with aching legs and confused heads, the temptation to slip out the back door when the liturgy appears to have ended is great. This is a good time for the greeter to walk over to them, quietly ask how they like the liturgy and offer to go forward with them to introduce them to the priest (now is the time to get their names if this hasn't already been done). Helping them find the fellowship area and (again) the restrooms along with staying with them to introduce them to members of the congregation during fellowship is a critical role of the greeter.
Follow Up
Non-Orthodox visitors will have an impression of their visit: usually a mixture of culture shock and confusion along with (hopefully) feelings that they were welcomed and that they were in a holy place. Most probably are not sure if they will return. Some method of follow up (email, phone call, etc.) is important a few days later to help overcome the negatives and to show that the parish is really glad they visited. This helps the visitor feel that they were actually noticed as individuals. If they do not return the next week an email, card or letter may be sent out to let them know you are thinking about them, but not harassing them.
A new person or family has come to your parish for the first time...why? They may have become curious after coming to a food festival, they may have read about Orthodoxy and decided to 'check it out', they may be Orthodox who have relocated to your area...their reasons are as varied as the people themselves. However, all have a few share characteristics...
Attention
They don't want to be coldly ignored or uncomfortably made the center of attention. Making them stand up in church for recognition, wear some kind of tag or similar action will make them self conscious and unlikely to return.
Information
Most visitors will have no experience with Orthodox worship and think they are going to just another 'church' with fancier pictures. Most people want to 'blend in' and not stand out: this can be difficult when everyone is crossing themselves at certain times, bowing, and singing responses with no book to use. The biggest culture shock is standing: they will either wonder 'where are the pews' or 'why don't they use the pews', particularly as the first hour passes and the end isn't in sight.
A brief brochure or verbal explanation before liturgy starts is very helpful as is knowing where seats are, if needed, and where the bathrooms are located. If there are significant parts of the liturgy in a non-English language, let them know in advance. Making sure that they know that only Orthodox Christians may receive communion will avoid embarrassment just and letting them know they are welcome to come forward for antidoron at the end of the liturgy will avoid confusion as to what they should do.
Introduction
For those with aching legs and confused heads, the temptation to slip out the back door when the liturgy appears to have ended is great. This is a good time for the greeter to walk over to them, quietly ask how they like the liturgy and offer to go forward with them to introduce them to the priest (now is the time to get their names if this hasn't already been done). Helping them find the fellowship area and (again) the restrooms along with staying with them to introduce them to members of the congregation during fellowship is a critical role of the greeter.
Follow Up
Non-Orthodox visitors will have an impression of their visit: usually a mixture of culture shock and confusion along with (hopefully) feelings that they were welcomed and that they were in a holy place. Most probably are not sure if they will return. Some method of follow up (email, phone call, etc.) is important a few days later to help overcome the negatives and to show that the parish is really glad they visited. This helps the visitor feel that they were actually noticed as individuals. If they do not return the next week an email, card or letter may be sent out to let them know you are thinking about them, but not harassing them.
