For New Visitors
Welcome. We are glad you found us.
Whether you are Orthodox, Christian from another tradition, or simply curious — you are welcome here. This page will help you know what to expect when you visit us for the first time.
You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Many people who walk through the doors of an Orthodox church for the first time feel a little uncertain. The liturgy is ancient, the chanting is unfamiliar, the incense is unexpected. That is perfectly normal — and perfectly fine.
You do not need to know all the prayers. You do not need to know when to stand or bow. You do not need to be Orthodox, Romanian, or religious to visit. All you need to bring is an open heart.
Come and see.
What to Expect
The Service
The Divine Liturgy lasts approximately 90 minutes. It is a continuous, immersive experience of prayer, chanting, scripture, and ritual — unchanged in its essential form for over a thousand years. There are no pews — Orthodox Christians traditionally stand in prayer, though seating is available for those who need it. The congregation participates through responses, singing, and shared moments of silent prayer.
Our services are celebrated in Romanian and English, so you will be able to follow along in both languages.
Arriving
We recommend arriving before 9:00 AM for the Divine Liturgy. If you arrive during the service, simply enter quietly and find a comfortable place to stand or sit. No one will approach you or put you on the spot.
Icons & the Church Space
As you enter, you will notice icons — sacred images of Christ, the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), and the saints — displayed throughout the church. Orthodox Christians venerate icons by making the sign of the cross and kissing them. As a visitor, you are not expected to do this, but you are welcome to if you wish.
Holy Communion
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Communion is offered only to baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting, prayer, and confession. As a visitor, you will not receive Communion — but you are warmly invited to receive the Antidoron (blessed bread distributed at the end of the service) as a sign of hospitality and fellowship.
Practical Tips
- 👗 Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered; headscarves for women are appreciated and available at the church if needed
- 📵 Silence your phone before entering
- 🚪 Arrive a few minutes early if possible — it helps to settle in before the service begins
- 🙏 Stand or sit as you are comfortable — there is no wrong way to be present
- ❓ Ask Fr. George anything after the service — he is always happy to welcome new faces and answer questions
After the Service
One of the best parts of visiting our parish is what happens after the Liturgy. Our community gathers informally to talk, share coffee, and enjoy each other’s company. This is the perfect moment to introduce yourself, meet the community, and ask any questions you may have.
Fr. George will be available to speak with you personally. Please don’t be shy — he is warm, approachable, and genuinely glad to meet you.
Thinking About Becoming Orthodox?
If your visit sparks something deeper — a curiosity, a longing, a sense of coming home — we encourage you to explore further. Fr. George offers personal meetings and catechetical conversations for anyone interested in learning more about the Orthodox faith, whether you are considering converting or simply want to understand what you experienced.
There is no pressure, no timeline, and no obligation. The door is open.
📞 +356 7732 8474
📘 facebook.com/parohiamalta
We Look Forward to Meeting You
St. Roque’s Church (Knisja ta’ San Rokku)
St. Ursula Street, Valletta, Malta
🗺 View on Google Maps
Sunday Divine Liturgy — 9:00 AM
*(Orthros begins at 8:00 AM)*
“We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth, for surely there is no such splendour or beauty anywhere on earth. We cannot describe it to you; we only know that God dwells there among the people.”
— The emissaries of Prince Vladimir, upon witnessing the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople, 987 AD