Sundays at SMSK

Learn more about the Divine Liturgy and why Sunday is the heart of the church experience.

Coming together as one Body to join with God.

Sunday is the most significant day in the week of a life of a Christian. Why? As the first day of the week, it's set aside for worship and rest to reflect God's example in the Creation story found in the Book of Genesis. But more importantly — it's the day when Jesus resurrected, making it the most sacred day of the Christian Faith. As a Church, we congregate on Sundays to seek true communion with God.

Below, learn more about how we, the faithful, commune with God.

This Sunday

YOUR GENEROSITY HELPS US DREAM RESPONSIBLY.

What is the Divine Liturgy?

The Divine Liturgy is the place and time (referred to as kairos, "the appointed time in the purpose of God") where heaven and earth meet. At the climax, bread and wine, symbolic of earthly life, are offered up to Heaven to become the Living Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the God-Man. Those who are baptized and chrismated in the Coptic Orthodox Church partake of this Holy Communion to be joined in a mystical life with Christ. So through the Liturgy, the Life of Christ is extended to the every-day lives of His children. “And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.'” (Luke 22:19-20)

What's the Sunday Series all about?

Sunday at SMSK isn't only intended for worship — it's also a time for edification, food, and fellowship.

Every week after Liturgy, Father John shares a short homily over an agape ("highest form of love") meal, dubbed the Sunday Series. These homilies cover a wide variety of themes, from everyday spiritual practices to timely and relevant hot topics. It's also a chance to connect with old friends, meet new friends, and enjoy a coffee with brunch. Don't miss out on this weekly opportunity to nourish your spirit, nourish your soul, and nourish your body, all part of the Sunday experience.

What will I encounter throughout the liturgy?

The Divine Liturgy is prayed in four sections:

The Prayer of Thanksgiving
The Prayer of Consecration
The Prayer of Fraction
The Prayer of Communion

Unlike our private prayer life, the Liturgy consists of common or corporate prayer. During the Liturgy of St. Basil, the Priest asks the congregation to: "Lift up your hearts" and the faithful respond, "We lift them to the Lord." Therefore, common prayer fosters a spirit of togetherness and directs our thoughts, senses, and reverence to the Holy Trinity.

SMSK Kids

Are you a parent of a child in pre-school or elementary school? SMSK Kids is our modern take on traditional Sunday School, where we use active learning to enrich their understanding of the Bible and keep them actively engaged in the learning process.

Have peace of mind that your children are being entertained, learning social skills, and having fun while you enjoy the Sunday Series.