Our Church

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orthodoxy anyway?

Orthodoxy (literally meaning "right way/teaching") can be traced back to the very time of the Apostles of Jesus. For the first 1000 years the entire Christian church was a unified body of believers. It was not until the year 1054 A.D., when the Catholic Church broke off from the Orthodox Church, that the unity ceased to exist in all of Christendom, and Orthodoxy found its central home in the East. The Church has protected herself from heresies (wrong teachings) by the convening of Seven Ecumenical Councils at various times throughout history. Centuries later, while Martin Luther led the Reformation against the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church continued in its Apostolic lineage as a strong Christian presence in Eastern Europe. Orthodoxy first came to America by way of Russian Monks from Valaam in the eighteenth century. To this day, Orthodoxy has remained theologically unified amidst the pluralism of denominationalism and schisms within the Christian world, and provides a unique sense of stability and foundation that cannot be found elsewhere.

How do I learn more about Orthodoxy, Liturgical services or even about becoming Orthodox?

Holy Resurrection's Orthodoxy 101 classes are a perfect way to get an introduction to Orthodoxy in an interactive, laid back environment. There is no commitment and no signing up necessary. This class is great for people who have a casual interest in Orthodoxy, and is very beneficial for those who are already knowledgeable. The classes meet every Saturday at 4:00, but check our website to make sure that it has not been cancelled or rescheduled.

We also run the Tree of Life Bookstore with icons, incense, books covering topics such as church history, spirituality, children's stories, prayer and everything in between.

For internet resources, you can find a comprehensive summary of the Orthodox Faith on our Diocesan website at www.bulgariandiocese.org and on the Greek Archdiocesan site at www.goarch.org.

Also, Frederica Matthewes-Green who is a widely acclaimed lecturer, journalist and author wrote an excellent article for first time attendees of an Orthodox Church, which can be found on the web at www.frederica.com/12-things.

Is this Church really Bulgarian?

While we are under the Bulgarian Patriarchate and under the episcopacy of Metropolitan Joseph of the Diocese of North America, Canada and Australia, most of us are converts to Orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is a faith that migrated to America predominantly through pockets of Greek and Eastern European immigrants. That is why even people who are not necessarily ethnically Greek, Russian or Bulgarian may still be under one of their jurisdictions. The beautiful thing about all of this is that the ethnic differences does not alter the theological unity of the Orthodox faith, and all professing Orthodox Christians confess the same creed no matter where they are from.

What does Holy Resurrection offer for activities/opportunities outside of Sunday services?

Holy Resurrection offers a number of ministries and programs to get involved with. Among many different opportunities parishioners have the chance to plug into the HROC Youth/Young Adult Group, the Sisterhood or even the Church Choir. For more information visit our Welcome Booth, call 617-787-7625 or ask an Usher.

Is there a mailing/e-mailing list that I can be a part of?

We have a church e-mail list that you can be a part of. Simply e-mail our parish president Feodor.Kouranov or fill out the information card on the back of our Sunday Bulletin or give your info to the usher/greeter/priest and you will be added to the list immediately.

How do I learn more about membership?

If you are interested in becoming a member and have been baptized in an Orthodox Church please see our Membership Page on this site/e-mail our parish president Feodor.Kouranov. Once you have talked to the Priest and have filled out the brief application, you will be well on your way towards membership.

How can I arrange a meeting with a Priest?

Our Priests are always available to speak with after services. They are all very approachable individuals, but you can also just tell the usher that you would like to meet one of the Priests and he will be happy to facilitate that.

How can I receive support from the Open Door Soup Kitchen/St. Bridget's Food Pantry?

If you are in the midst of a difficult time and would like to receive some food items from our Pantry please call 617-787-7625 or e-mail Fr. Patrick .

Do you pass a tray during the service?

While we do not pass a tray during the service itself, we do have a Donation Box at the back of the Church that you can use as you exit the Chapel. We would greatly appreciate your support!

Thank you. We hope this was informative!