🕊️ First-Time Visitor Guide to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, McKeesport, PA
Welcome to St. Sava, one of the oldest Serbian Orthodox Churches in the United States! Our parish community warmly welcomes all visitors who wish to experience the beauty of Orthodox Christianity.
📅 Service Schedule
The main worship service is the Divine Liturgy on Sunday mornings. It typically lasts about 1.5 hours.
| Day | Service | Time (Sept-May) | Time (June-Aug) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Matins (Morning Prayer) | 9:15 AM | (No Matins) | Matins is not held during the summer months. |
| Sunday | Divine Liturgy | 10:00 AM | 9:30 AM | The principal worship service. |
| Saturday | Great Vespers (Evening Prayer) | 6:00 PM | (No Vespers) | Confirm schedule on the church calendar; no regular Vespers in summer. |
Services are celebrated in a mix of English, Church Slavonic, and Serbian. Our parish conducts the majority of the service in English.
🏛️ Entering the Church: The Orthodox Experience
The Orthodox Church is an ancient, sensory, and beautiful tradition. Don't be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and actions—everything is meant to draw you closer to God.
- Icons: The church is adorned with icons (holy images) of Christ, the Mother of God, and the Saints. These are windows into heaven, not objects of worship, but of veneration (deep respect). You may see people lighting candles and kissing the icons upon entering. As a visitor, you are not required to do this.
- Standing vs. Sitting: The traditional posture for prayer is to stand as free men and women before God. While there are pews, you will see the congregation stand frequently. If you need to sit, please do so.
- Definitely Stand during: The Gospel reading, the Little and Great Entrances, the distribution of Holy Communion, the priest's blessings, and the Dismissal.
- When in doubt, stand—it is never wrong.
- Sign of the Cross: Orthodox Christians cross themselves frequently. They use their right hand, touching the forehead, chest, right shoulder, then left shoulder (opposite of Roman Catholics). Visitors are not expected to cross themselves, but you may if you wish.
- Late Arrival: Try to arrive before the service starts. If you arrive late, please wait for a break in the service (like during a period of sitting) to quietly find a seat. Do not enter during the Gospel reading, the Priest's homily (sermon), or the Entrances.
- Communion (Eucharist): Only baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared are permitted to receive Holy Communion. All are welcome to come forward at the end of the Liturgy to receive the Nafora (Serbian) or Antidoron (Greek) (blessed bread) from the priest as a token of fellowship.
👗 Dress and Etiquette
When visiting, please observe a spirit of reverence and respect for the sacred space.
- Modest Dress is Appreciated:
- Women: Skirts or dresses that fall at or below the knee are traditional. Shoulders should be covered. Avoid shorts, miniskirts, and revealing tops. Head coverings (scarves) are traditional but not required for female visitors.
- Men: Slacks and a dress or collared casual shirt are appropriate. Avoid shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops. Men should remove any head coverings (like hats) upon entering the Nave (the main body of the church).
- Silence: Please refrain from talking inside the Nave, as even whispers can distract others who are praying. You are there to speak to God.
- Children: Children are a welcome part of the Church family. If your child becomes fussy or disruptive, please take them out of the Nave briefly until they are ready to return.
- Meeting the Priest: If you wish to greet the priest, Father Stevo Rocknage, it is customary to ask for his blessing and kiss his hand rather than shaking hands. A simple approach and head bow is acceptable for visitors.
🤝 Fellowship and Next Steps
- Coffee Hour: After the Divine Liturgy, there is usually a "Coffee Hour" or fellowship gathering in the Parish Hall. This is a relaxed and friendly time to meet the parishioners and the priest. All visitors are warmly invited to join!
- Contact Information: If you have further questions or would like to speak with the priest, you can contact Proto Stevan (Fr. Stevo) Rocknage:
- Rectory Phone: (412) 672-1872
- Email: frstevor@aol.com
- COME AND SEE: If you are curious about the Holy Orthodox Faith, or would just like to attend a Liturgy and pray with us, we recommend that you follow your heart and simply come and see what our community is like.
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is located at 901 Hartman St. McKeesport, PA 15132.
