Who We Are… (p. 2)
The worship of the parish is conducted entirely in English (with the exception of a few brief responses such as the Kyrie Eleison). A dedicated a cappella choir, under the direction of skilled musicians Alice Hughes and Anne Schoepp, leads the congregation to participate fully throughout the service. (In accordance with Orthodox tradition, no musical instruments are used in church. Our singing is prayer, and as such must be offered by the human voice alone.) Music is chosen from a variety of Orthodox ethnic traditions, and is adapted and sung with the conscious goal of making every word of the Liturgy understandable and meaningful to all participants. A second, equally important goal is to offer to God music that is both prayerful and as beautiful as we can make it. St. Lawrence Church celebrates a weekly cycle of services, including vespers and liturgies each week. Please view the monthly calendar for service times. Weekday services are led by a choir of skilled chanters under the direction Reader John Smith. Naturally, very few parishioners are able to attend every service, but the services are available for those who wish to participate.
![[ Holy Saturday ]](../images/holysaturday.jpg)
Many visitors have remarked on what a blessing it is to have the parish children of all ages in church throughout each service. While this naturally entails a little more noise and activity in the church, the children grow up regarding worship as a normal part of their lives, and they participate wholeheartedly.
The St. Lawrence Academy, now in its sixteenth year has grown from two grades to twelve, and assists the parish parents (as well as like-minded families from outside the parish) in providing both a thorough traditional education, and a completely Orthodox environment for the children![[ St Lawrence Academy ]](../images/academy.jpg)
to grow up in. The fruits of this involvement are apparent in the young people of the parish, the great majority of whom remain faithful to Christ and His Church through the difficult years of adolescence and young adulthood. Several in recent years have chosen the path of monasticism or the priesthood.