See dates and times in the service schedule. German-language Liturgies and festal services are marked separately. Please check the relevant date before travelling.

Yes, you may attend, listen and pray. Receiving the sacraments, such as Confession and Communion, requires membership of the Orthodox Church and preparation. Begin with the guide “Your first visit to church”.

Ask your parents and relatives; if possible, contact the church where the Baptism may have taken place to check its register. If you cannot establish this, discuss your situation with the priest.

Choose tidy, modest clothing that does not distract from prayer. In the Russian Orthodox tradition, women cover their heads. Unfamiliarity with customs should not prevent a first visit: you can discuss questions with the priest.

Commemoration slips are available at the candle desk. Write the names to be remembered for health or repose. Names submitted for commemoration at the Proskomedia should be those of Orthodox Christians. If you are unsure how to fill in a slip, ask the priest.

Try to preserve a prayerful spirit and avoid distracting others yourself. Do not take it upon yourself to lecture people, especially first-time visitors. If necessary, discuss the situation calmly with the priest.

Church life involves regular common prayer and participation in the sacraments, rather than occasional visits alone. Read about its meaning on the page “A Christian in the Church”.

First choose the guide for adult Baptism or the Baptism of a child. For a child’s Baptism, the parents and godparents prepare. The date is agreed after preparation and the catechetical meeting.

It is a conversation with the priest about faith, the meaning of Baptism and Christian life. It helps you enter the life of the Church with understanding. The preparation pages explain what to do before the meeting.

An Orthodox Christian over the age of 17 who participates in church life and the sacraments. A non-Orthodox person cannot be a godparent. A husband and wife cannot together be godparents to the same child.

In our tradition, a child usually has a godfather and a godmother. If this is not possible, discuss having one sponsor with the priest: a godfather for a boy or a godmother for a girl. Preparation for adults is different.

Read the preparation guide. Calmly reflect on your sins; you may make brief notes. Tell the priest that you have come for the first time or after an absence. Arrange a longer conversation beforehand.

On Saturdays and the eves of feast days — before, during and after the Vigil. Exact times are given in the service schedule. Time before the Liturgy is limited, so it is better to come in the evening.

Baptised Orthodox Christians. Discuss a child’s preparation for first Confession, usually from the age of seven, with the priest.

Confession is a sacrament in its own right. You may confess even if you will not receive Communion immediately afterwards. Confession should be regular; discuss its frequency and preparation for Communion with the priest.

If you have been baptised in the Orthodox Church, discuss preparation with the priest in advance: prayer, fasting and Confession. Do not leave this conversation until Communion itself. Read more on the page about preparing for Communion.

Fasting is part of preparation for Communion. Discuss dietary restrictions and the length of the fast with the priest in person. Preparation for children, and adjustments for illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding, should be agreed individually. Fasting, Confession and prayer: preparation guide.

Discuss receiving Communion with the priest in advance, taking your circumstances into account. Do not stop prescribed treatment in order to fast.

Forthcoming services of Holy Unction and conditions for participation are announced separately. If you or someone close to you needs a priest’s help because of illness, contact him personally rather than waiting for a communal service.

Yes. Arrange this with the priest beforehand and briefly explain the situation. Ways to contact the priest.

First discuss preparation and a possible date with the priest. Church weddings are not celebrated on certain days of the church year, including fasting periods; do not book a date without agreement.

A church wedding takes place after the civil marriage has been registered at the Standesamt (registry office).

Wedding sponsors may be Orthodox Christians. Traditionally, they are a devout married couple who help the new family. If suitable people are not available, discuss this with the priest in advance.

Contact the priest as soon as possible, before finalising the form of burial. In our parish, an Orthodox funeral service accompanies burial in the ground; funeral services are not celebrated before or after cremation.

Traditionally, a paper crown for the forehead, a cross, the prayer of absolution and a burial shroud are prepared. These are available at the church shop; agree the arrangements with the priest.