Hello!

I'm going to be in Atlanta this coming weekend. This church's website and phone message both say the Divine Liturgy is at 10:30am ... but I've been burned before when traveling ...

For that reason, can anyone confirm the DL time?

Also, I've heard that the Melkites run longer than my typically attended UGCCs. It won't stop me from going, but I have an itinerary, so I should make adjustments if it's going to be two hours or some such. If anyone knows, I would appreciate the heads up.

Thank you kindly in advance,
Booth

The Divine Liturgy does not necessarily run longer. At Holy Transfiguration, ours averages one hour fifteen minutes or so, and often includes a memorial service at the end. But the Melkites frequently celebrate Orthros before the Divine Liturgy, and Orthros can run anywhere from an hour to ninety minutes, depending on what kind of liturgical day it is. So the Divine Liturgy starts when Orthros ends. People begin dribbling in during Orthros, and continue coming in right up to the Little Entrance. As a general rule, no matter how early you are, you're late; and no matter how late you are, you're early.

Booth, my friend,

Orthos is at 10:00, Divine Liturgy at 10:30

See the directory entry

If Father John says 10:30, it's 10:30.

As to time, I'd allow about what Stuart says - an hour to an hour and a quarter. You'll see a very reverently served Divine Liturgy and, undoubtedly, hear an excellent sermon. Abouna John is a great speaker.

Many years,

Neil (tell Abouna, yes, there are Irish Melkites )

Stuart and Neil are correct. In various Greek secular and monastic churches I've been to, Divine Liturgy lasts around one hour (daily liturgy, without sermon). Add in a sermon and an hour and fifteen minutes is reasonable. I'd budget one hour and a half, just for wiggle room.

Normal Sunday Orthros in the secular churches(all the Hexapsalms, kathisma without readings from the psalter, Katavasiae, Gospel, abbreviated praises) normally lasts about 1 hour. In the US, things are often cut (both in Greek Orthodox and apparently in Melkite Catholic usage) to fit things into half an hour.

Thank you all!