With how many and how much does an Orthodox church work?

In this article, we will consider the answer to the frequently asked question of people, especially those who are not church-clergymen, how long the church works. But before we proceed, bear in mind that all the temples open and close at different times. In the article you will find answers to questions about the Christian faith, advice and recommendations.

What time does the temple open?

Of course, when it is planned to perform worship or demand, the temple is opened. But how much does the church work? Everything depends on the arrival, the settlement, the living conditions and even the time of the year. Many temples and monasteries in large cities and small villages, in regional centers and settlements in the summer time begin work for an hour or half an hour earlier than in winter.

So, how much can you come? Go in the afternoon to the church where you want to go early in the morning. There, perhaps, there is a schedule of services. If it is not, contact the candlestick or the duty priest with the question.

Did you find the schedule? Look at what time the Divine Liturgy begins. As a rule, in monasteries the service begins very early - at 5 or 6 in the morning. But make sure that the laity (people who do not live in a monastery) are admitted at this time to the monastery grounds.

In worldly temples (not monastic), worship begins later. In megacities most often at 9 am, and in rural churches - at 7 or 8.

For example, the Pokrovsky Monastery, where the relics of Matrona are located, are open to believers from 8.00 to 20.00. A temple in the same area works from 9.00. Therefore, specify the time of work.

What time does the church close?

In the evenings before the Sunday, and even before the big holidays (church), the evening service is held - the all-night vigil. How long does the church work? The service lasts 2-3 hours. See in the schedule of the temple or ask the candle holder (a woman selling candles, icons, utensils, taking notes behind the counter). For example, the evening starts at 16.00. Most likely, the service will end at 18.00. Then the temple is closed.

Some people are interested in how much the church works on Sunday. And again we can only say that everything depends on the abbot of the temple, the settlement and the parish. It happens that in a provincial town the temple closes almost immediately, as the liturgy ends and the water is consecrated (for example, at 11 o'clock). On the other hand, in a large city the temple can work until a later hour.

If on Monday there will be a big church holiday, then on Sunday evening the church will be open until the end of the service.

Exceptional case

Many provincial churches are closed most of the time, the services are not held every day. In this case, it is worth approaching the father-abbot. Apply in the following cases:

• Epiphany;
• Funeral service;
• wedding;
• confession.

If the priest has everything to perform the treba and the opportunity, then the temple will be opened.

Weekdays in the Temple

Most often (especially in big cities) on weekdays and Saturdays, the service starts half an hour or one hour earlier than on Sunday. After all, church ministers know that their parishioners work and study. On the day of the great feast they try to serve early. And how much does the church work on weekdays? Usually up to 18 or 19 hours (in the metropolis).

When is it better to go to church?

Many unchurched people believe that visiting the temple is only when there are few people or no one there. It is enough to put a candle, stand up, a little prayer (five minutes) and run away on your business. But you really can not do that. In the Gospel Christ says: "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." It means, when people pray together with all the people, then the Lord accepts such prayers. For this, there is a liturgy and a Vigil.

Above we discussed how much the church works, and you'd better ask, what time does the Liturgy and Vigil service start? Believe me, it will be more beneficial for the soul if you stay in the divine service from beginning to end.

Why the temple can be closed permanently?

It happens that nobody in the church serves. With what it can be connected? Of course, with the absence of a priest. It is possible that the Diocesan Council decides where to find the priest. Another reason is the lack of alignment within the church (lack of an iconostasis, a dangerous state of the building, and so on). Of course, there is no point in asking when the church opens and how much the church works in such a case.

Well, we discussed the issue of the mode of operation of Orthodox churches. Unfortunately, there can not be a single answer to this question. After all, each father sets his schedule.