Visit Saint Nicholas Oratory

Saint Nicholas Oratory is a small, independent Orthodox Christian community in Centralia, Illinois, serving the faithful and visitors throughout south-central and southern Illinois. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated principally in English and Slavonic.

Located in Centralia, the Oratory is within easy reach of Mount Vernon, Salem, Nashville, Carlyle, and other communities in the surrounding region. Visitors are always welcome at our Sunday Divine Liturgy. Whether you are away from your home parish, someone interested in the Faith, or simply curious about our worship and traditions, you are welcome to come and pray with us.

When is the Divine Liturgy?

The Divine Liturgy is ordinarily celebrated each Sunday at 11:00am. Visitors coming from a distance are encouraged to check our current schedule on the homepage before travelling. Any cancellations will be announced there and on our Facebook page.

Do I need to wear anything special?

No special clothing is required. We simply ask that visitors dress with the ordinary modesty and respect appropriate to a place of worship. There is no need to purchase anything or to worry about having the "right" clothes before visiting us.

In keeping with ancient Christian custom, women and girls are welcome to cover their heads during prayer if they wish to do so. Headcoverings are available at the Oratory for anyone who would like one, but no visitor should feel embarrassed or uncomfortable if she does not wear one.

What if I've never attended before?

You are especially welcome to join us. Have no worries that you will do or say the "wrong" thing. There is no embarrassment here. Only prayer. You are not expected to "know what to do." You are free simply to observe and pray quietly. No one will be offended if you choose not to participate outwardly. You may: Light candles. Venerate icons. Sing with us. Cross yourself. Simply stand quietly. Sit if you need to. Step outside if you need air. Stay afterward for refreshment and conversation. You are also free to do none of these things. Whether you are visiting a a Christian service for the first time, returning to church after many years, or simply curious about Orthodox Christianity, we are glad to have you!

Is everyone welcome?

Everyone of good will is always welcome at Saint Nicholas Oratory. You do not need to be Orthodox, or even Christian, to attend the Divine Liturgy and pray with us. We ask only the same courtesy and respect that we gladly extend to every visitor.

Is there a choir?

As a small community with a tradition of congregational singing, we do not presently have a dedicated choir. The responses and hymns of the Divine Liturgy are sung by the faithful together, and visitors are warmly invited to join in as they become comfortable with them. There is never any pressure to sing, however; listening attentively is itself a perfectly good way to begin.

Our principal musical tradition is the ancient unison Znamenny chant, adapted for congregational use in English, together with other traditional Byzantine-Slavonic melodies.

How long is the Liturgy?

Our Sunday Divine Liturgy ordinarily lasts about one hour to an hour and a quarter. On feast days or other special occasions it may be somewhat longer.

Parking & Accessibility.

Street parking is available immediately around the Oratory. The chapel itself is located at ground level and may be entered without climbing stairs.

If you have particular accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us before your visit. We will gladly make whatever reasonable arrangements we can to help you attend comfortably.

Communion expectations.

Orthodox Christians believe that in the Eucharist, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Holy Communion is not only a personal act of devotion. It is also the Church’s public expression of full unity in faith, life, and teaching. To receive Communion is to say, in a visible way, “I am in complete communion with the Church and her faith.”

For this reason, Holy Communion is not ordinarily received casually or simply by virtue of attending the Liturgy. Orthodox Christians visiting Saint Nicholas who wish to receive the Holy Mysteries are asked to speak with the priest beforehand. Those who are not Orthodox Christians do not receive Holy Communion.

This is not because others are unwelcome, nor because anyone considers themselves "worthy." None of us is worthy. Rather, we take seriously both the meaning of the Sacrament and the conscience of each person. It would not be fair to ask someone to make, through Communion, a declaration of unity they do not yet share.

If you are not (yet) an Orthodox Christian, we are grateful for your presence and your prayers. Even if we do not yet enjoy full communion, you are a treasured guest and always welcome!