Who is welcome?
Orthodox Christians, inquirers from other backgrounds, and those with a genuine interest in the Faith are welcome. No prior knowledge of Orthodoxy is required.
Start Here
What most people want to know before they come for the first time.
This page answers the questions visitors most commonly ask: what Orthodoxy is, what OCF does, where gatherings take place, and how to get in contact. If you are considering coming for the first time, begin here.
What is Orthodoxy
“Right faith and good works; for whoever holds these two, the same is a good Christian, and has certain hope of eternal salvation, as the Scripture says (James 2.24): “You see then how that by good works a man is justified, and not by faith only”; and a little after (v. 6), “For as the body without the Spirit is dead; so faith without works is dead also.” Saint Paul affirms the same (1 Tim. 1.19): “Holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith, have made shipwreck.” And again (1 Tim. 3.9): “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.””
The Orthodox Confession of St. Peter Mogila
What should I do first?
Come to a gathering. You are also welcome to reach out beforehand if you would like to know what to expect or where to go.
What to do next
A simple path if you are new.
1. Reach out
Contact us beforehand if you want to know where to go, who to look for, or what the week holds.
2. Start with something simple
Most students begin with Bible study or Saturday Vespers. Either is a reasonable entry point.
3. Ask what you are actually wondering
Questions about the Faith, the services, or Orthodox practice are welcome and expected.
Where things happen
Gatherings take place both on Grounds and at the parish.
Weekly fellowship events are held on or near Grounds. Services — Vespers and Divine Liturgy — take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Charlottesville, approximately 20 minutes from the University.
If you are unsure where to go, check the events page or contact us. We would rather you arrive than guess.
Open the events pageWhat Orthodoxy is
Orthodoxy is the fullness of the Christian Faith, not merely a tradition or ethnic identity.
The Orthodox Church holds the Apostolic Faith as received from Christ and His Apostles, transmitted through Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, the Ecumenical Councils, and the lives of the saints.
Prior knowledge is not expected of visitors. Come, observe, and ask questions. The resources page has introductory texts if you wish to read before coming.
Start with catechism resourcesFAQ
Common questions from first-time visitors.
Do I need to be Orthodox to come?
No. OCF is rooted in Orthodox Christianity. Visitors who are inquiring or from other Christian backgrounds are welcome to attend.
What are events usually like?
Most gatherings include worship, Scripture study, or fellowship — often more than one. Vespers and Divine Liturgy are the center of OCF’s worship life; Bible study and shared meals fill the rest of the week.
Where do events happen?
Fellowship events are held on or near Grounds, including at the Center for Christian Study. Services take place at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Charlottesville. Check the events page for the exact location each week.
What should I wear?
For fellowship events, ordinary dress is appropriate. For church services, neat and modest clothing is customary — comparable to what you would wear to any formal occasion. Women traditionally cover their heads during Orthodox services; visitors are not required to do so.
Will I be the only new person there?
Likely not. New students come throughout the year, and OCF regularly receives visitors.
What if I know almost nothing about Orthodoxy?
That is the normal condition of an inquirer. No preparation is required. The resources page has a short list of introductory texts if you wish to read before coming. As Christ said: “Come and see.” (John 1:39)
Still not sure?
You are welcome to reach out before coming.
If you have questions about location, what to expect, or Orthodox practice, contact us. Many people begin by asking.