The Parish regulations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America define the duties of Greek Orthodox parishioners as follows: “The religious, moral and social duties of a parishioner are to apply the tenets of the Orthodox faith to his or her life and activities, attend the Divine Liturgy and other services of worship faithfully on Sundays and holy days, to keep rules and fasts of the Orthodox tradition, to receive frequently the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion, to train and teach the young according to the faith and spirit of Orthodoxy, to respect the clergy, the ecclesiastical authority, and all governing bodies of the Church, to be obedient in matter of faith and ecclesiastical order, and to cooperate in every way towards the welfare and prosperity of Parish and the success of its sacred mission. The obligations of a parishioner are to pay such regular membership dues and special assessments as the Parish may establish.” (Article 6: Sections 6 & 7)
Offering glory, honor, praise, prayer, petitions, hymns and worship to God on a daily and weekly basis is the responsibility of the baptized, confirmed, dedicated and practicing Greek Orthodox communicant. The primary prayer and worship service of our Church is the Sacrament of Holy Communion, which is enclosed in the Divine Liturgy. In addition, we have the Orthros service, the Vesper Service, the Holy Water Blessing Service, the Sacrament of Holy Oil (Unction) and Artoclasia (Blessing of the Loaves Service).
Our Lord said: “I tell you most solemnly, if you do not eat the body of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. Anyone who does eat my body and drinks my blood has eternal life.” (St. John 6:53-54) Holy communion is the bread and wine sacra mentally transformed into the body and blood of our Lord, and offered to the faithful during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy for the forgiveness of sins and for the granting of eternal life. Baptized Orthodox Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion by prayer, examination of conscience, confession of sins and fasting.
The fast rules of the Church require abstention from meat, dairy products, eggs, fish and olive oil in accordance with individual strength and ability every Wednesday and Friday. During Great Lent and Holy Week, for the Apostles Fast in June, the Dormition of the Theotokos, August 1st to 14th, the Christmas Lent Period and on other days as specified on the Church Calendar.
In the case of serious, critical or life-threatening illness and hospitalization of an Orthodox relative or friend, the priest should be notified to offer prayers, give Holy Communion, if possible, or read prayers for the dying. The Priest should be invited to bring Holy Communion to confine, aged and institutionalized elderly people who cannot come to Church.
Baptized and confirmed members of the Orthodox Church contribute financial support for the Archdiocese, Metropolis and local parish through the annual parish obligation donations, along with donations for candles, tray and special purpose contributions.