FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the Cathedral opened for visiting?
A: Old Holy Virgin Cathedral is open during services or by appointment. 

Q: How long are the services?
A: Saturday Night Vigil or other Feast evening services are approximately 2-3 hours. Morning Liturgy lasts 90 minutes or so. Please refer to the monthly calendar of services published on our site (See “Schedule” for links to the PDF files).

Q: How does one go to confession at the Cathedral? How is this organized?
A: Confession is required to have Holy Communion. You should have confession before you plan to have Holy Communion. Please come for the start of the service or earlier. 

If you have arrived late to the service, it is best if you put off your confession for another time.

Q: Do you offer an Agape Meal after Liturgy on Sundays?
A: On certain days, for example, Easter, Parish Feastday, Saint John’s Feastday there is a meal (trapeza) open to all visitors. We publish these dates on our web site under “Events”.

Q: Where are the closest hotels/motels in the area?
A: There are many hotels located nearby, please check links in “Visitor Info” page

Q: How should I dress?
A:
Children:
Athletic shorts, cutoffs, and spandex shorts are never appropriate church wear (for children or adults). Shoes should be clean and tidy. No T-shirts with any kind of excessive writing on them (“This Bud’s for You!” is definitely not acceptable).
Women:
Dresses should be modest. No tank tops or strapless dresses that would expose the back or low cut at the front. No mini-skirts. Skirts should be at knee or lower. If women wear pants to church, even though this is not preferred, should be dress pants (not jeans or leggins, etc.). Shorts of any type are not acceptable. Head coverings should be worn.
Men:
Coat and tie are not mandatory, shirts should have collars and should be buttoned to the collar (the actual collar button can be left undone, but two or three buttons undone is inappropriate). Torn jeans, with patches and loose fitting are not acceptable. No T-shirts or shorts.

Q: How can I become an official parish member?
A: Review the details here:
(Check our “Community->Parish Membership” page)

Q: How can I volunteer my time to help the Cathedral?
A: Approach any one of the priests or deacons prior to or after any of the services. Or just contact them via telephone or email.