Vespers
The Church’s liturgical day begins in the evening. Psalms, hymns, and petitions offer the day to God. Saturday Vespers looks toward the joy of Christ’s Resurrection.
Worship at St. Catherine · Lubbock, Texas
Let us pray
to the Lord.
Enter into the prayer of the Church.
A living faith, offered with heart, soul, and body.
Ancient worship. Living faith.
We come together
to turn toward God.
At St. Catherine, we worship in English within the Slavic Orthodox tradition. The prayers and hymns draw us into a shared life in Christ: listening to Scripture, giving thanks, seeking mercy, and praying for the world.
You do not need to know every prayer or gesture before you visit. Come quietly, listen, and allow yourself time to become familiar with the worship of the Church.
At the heart of our worship
The Divine Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy gathers the Church around the Word of God and the Holy Eucharist. We hear the Epistle and Gospel, pray together, and offer thanksgiving to the Father through Christ in the Holy Spirit.
Its movement leads from the proclamation of Scripture to the offering and reception of Holy Communion. The congregation participates through prayer, responses, and attentive presence; the Liturgy is the common worship of the Church.
See announced services →
A life shaped by prayer
The Church sanctifies our days.
Worship unfolds through the day, the week, and the seasons of the Church year.
The Hours & Typica
The Hours mark the day with psalms and prayers. Typica is a service of psalms, Scripture, and prayer that may be offered when the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated.
Feasts & fasts
Pascha stands at the center of the Church year. The feasts, fasting seasons, and remembrance of the saints help us return again and again to the life of Christ.
Prayer with our whole being
Beauty that invites attention.
What you see, hear, and do belongs to a single offering of prayer.
Icons
Icons bear witness to Christ and His saints. The honor shown before an icon is directed to the person depicted. They remind us that we pray within the communion of the Church.
Chanted prayer
Much of the service is sung. Psalms, responses, and hymns carry the words of prayer, giving the congregation a shared voice.
Candles & incense
A candle accompanies a personal prayer. Incense recalls the image of prayer rising before God. Both help us give attention to the sacred work before us.
Standing & bowing
We stand, make the sign of the cross, and bow as expressions of reverence. Sit when you need to. Visitors are welcome to observe without feeling obliged to imitate every gesture.
Beyond the church doors
Carry prayer into
the everyday.
A modest daily prayer rule, Scripture reading, and the Jesus Prayer help us turn toward Christ outside the services. A prayer rope can support attentive prayer; it is a simple aid, not a substitute for the prayer itself.
Ask the priest for guidance in beginning a prayer rule suited to your life.
Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of God,
have mercy on me,
a sinner.
There is room for you here
Come and see.
Bring your questions. Begin with a visit.
Do I need to know what to do?
No. Arrive a little early if possible, find a place, and follow along as you are able. We will gladly help you find your way. Our visitor’s guide explains the practical details.
May visitors receive Holy Communion?
Visitors are welcome at the services. Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who are prepared to receive it. Please speak with the priest beforehand if you have questions about Communion or preparation.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Children belong in the life and prayer of the Church. Families are welcome, and you may step out briefly when a child needs a break.