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Like most any Church, there were greeters opening the doors who welcomed me inside - and this is important - one can always expect there to be someone there to help guide you when you first arrive! I got there about 15-20 minutes before the start of the service (this is recommended if possible, but not a big deal if you don’t or can’t), so I even got to meet the priest and they showed me around a little. One side note, do not expect much time with the Priest during this timeframe, he will be running around doing many different things so the service can begin - so if you only get to meet him for long enough to make a quick introduction - or perhaps even not at all - don’t worry! You’re not being “pushed away” or whatever, its simply a matter of circumstance, and in my case he promised to catch up with me afterwards and answer any questions that I had.
I will say that folks were very nice. There was incense and no pews (benches) as this church performs a standing service - both of these things I found different, but not intimidating. Really the only thing to know is DON’T GO UP FOR COMMUNION or “The Eucharist” as they call it, this is reserved for formal members (folks who’ve been Baptized or Chrismated (aka “Confirmed” into the Church, aka completely and officially Converted), but other than that, theres really no pressure on you.
Folks will cross themselves a lot and venerate icons, but no one is counting on you to do this, nor will they hold it against you if you don’t, as you’re new, and for now only an inquirer, of course. If you want to join them, all the better, do as much as you’re comfortable with (besides taking communion at this point, as we just discussed), but remember, today is your first visit - and there’s no pressure!
