Visiting for the First Time

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."

We are a welcoming, growing parish with many young families and converts from all religious backgrounds. Many families live in and around Omaha, while many others live within an hour in all directions. The church pews have a few Liturgical books to help you follow along in the service. It is best to experience the Divine Liturgy with all of your senses... the icons, music, prayers and hymns, incense and movements. After Divine Liturgy is coffee hour, where we would love to say hi and meet you! Most of us were also first-time visitors once. We are looking forward to meeting you!

Services in an Orthodox Church may be different from what you are used to. We want you to feel comfortable and welcome in our church. We will not single you out or do anything to embarrass you.

Orthodox Christianity is a faith, a way of life, and an experience. We welcome you to visit with and experience the Divine Liturgy, and the healing presence of God. He is present, along with the angels and saints and all the company of heaven!

If you would like to correspond or talk with someone before you visit, please visit our Contact page or send us an email stnicholaswelcome@gmail.com.

We look forward to welcoming you!

A Note on Holy Communion:

Orthodox Christians view Holy Communion as deeply, awesomely holy, and are mindful of St. Paul’s words, “whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” (1 Cor 11:2-28)

We know that it is not by our own efforts but only God’s grace that can make us worthy of partaking in Communion with Him. But to prepare and “examine ourselves” before Communion we fast, pray, examine our hearts and actions, and repent and confess our sins, seeking absolution from God. All are called to God’s table, but please respect this ancient and vulnerable Christian sacrament, and do not come up for Holy Communion without speaking to our priest before the services begin about appropriately preparing.

Communion is reserved only for Orthodox Christians who have prepared themselves in the correct manner. Blessed bread is offered to all at the end of Divine Liturgy.