Citizen Columns
Question
Is your house of worship open to the public at all times?
Answer
I wish I could say yes. In many parts of the Orthodox world, in Greece for example, quite a few churches are open 24/7 for the public to sit and pray, to put up a candle. I lived in Greece for a year and there were two large churches in downtown Thessalonica with a constant stream of people of all ages, dress and walks of life bringing their joys and sorrows to God, if only for the few minutes it took to light a candle in front of an icon. Students on their way to school, businessmen in suits, elderly women in black walking with canes, all coming with something on their hearts, or just to keep the remembrance of God alive in their busy lives. I occasionally used to sit there in wonder simply watching this human river. But even in Greece this is increasingly an exception. Too many crimes and too few people to staff the churches has cut down on this open door policy.
That's even more true here. We do have something of a compromise though in our church (Annunciation Orthodox Cathedral, 15 Lebreton St at Eccles). There's an outdoor shrine (a large icon of the child Jesus in the arms of Mary) that is open to the public at all times and is lit at night. And people from the neighbourhood do stop by even in the worst weather. Volunteers staff the church office Tuesday-Friday, 10-1 and can let you in to sit in the church, but it's best to call ahead (613-230-2687). There is often a priest available for conversation and prayer with anyone. There are regular services (in English) several times a week and people often come before or stay afterwards to sit, pray, meditate, and these services are all open to the public (Wednesday Vespers at 7:00 pm, Saturday Vespers at 5:00 pm and Sunday Divine Liturgy 9:30 am). The full calendar of services is available at www.ottawacathedral.org. There are more than a dozen Orthodox churches in Ottawa and all of them welcome visitors (see phone book for contact details).
Father John Jillions
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