Once a year, Dr. Mark DeLaRosa’s sophomore students step into Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church and are immediately immersed in a space filled with rich symbolism and century-old traditions. 

It’s part of DeLaRosa’s sophomore theology class curriculum. The experience is meant to broaden students’ understanding of Christian tradition beyond their own.

The visit begins in the narthex, where students observe detailed iconography and light candles for personal intentions. These icons and traditions are central to the Greek Orthodox Faith because they serve as a bridge between the spiritual and physical world.

As Mrs. Stephanie Garcia explained, icons “make the invisible visible,” helping worshippers recognize God’s presence in a tangible way. The narthex itself sets the tone for the experience, as students participate in small but meaningful rituals like lighting candles and observing sacred images before entering the main church.

A Living Tradition 

For many parish members, these traditions are held close to the heart. Garcia is an educator at Cardinal Gibbons and a member of the Holy Trinity Parish since 2006. 

“I was born and raised Greek Orthodox, and baptized as a baby into the Church. My family was very involved in all things ‘Greek,’ and it’s been a part of my life from the beginning,” Garcia said. 

Garcia emphasized that the service students witness is shaped by centuries of continuity. She explained that students see practices such as crossing themselves right to left, kissing icons in the narthex, and receiving communion only directly from the priest, followed by kissing the priest’s hand. She also noted that the service is conducted in both Greek and English, with much of the liturgy occurring behind the iconostasis, a screen separating the altar from the congregation.

Learning through Difference

This year’s turnout for DeLaRosa’s class was especially large. 

“It was the most I’ve ever had… it was two Sundays… there were about 45 students and 45 family members each time,” said DeLaRosa. 

During the service, students observe key differences in worship style, including the placement of the homily at the end of the liturgy rather than after the Gospel and the use of chant and Greek language throughout the service. 

One recurring phrase students hear is “Kyrie eleison,” meaning “Lord, have mercy,” which appears throughout both Greek and Orthodox and Catholic traditions in different forms.

Preparing for the Experience

Prior to attending Holy Trinity, students spend time in class preparing for what they might see or hear. They study Greek Orthodox customs, learn the Greek alphabet, study basic Greek phrases, and practice the “Our Father” prayer in Greek. This preparation is designed to help students feel more connected and less overwhelmed by the unfamiliar language and rituals.

DeLaRosa explained that the goal of the trip is not only academic understanding but personal reflection. He hopes that students will recognize that faith can be expressed in many ways across different Christian traditions.

What Students Take Away

For DeLaRosa, the experience is ultimately about perspective and connection.

“I hope they can see that the Greek Orthodox faith is a holy, beautiful way to approach God,” DeLaRosa said. “It may not be our way, and that’s OK.”

He added that students witness the devotion within the parish community and the love members have for their faith and for one another.

“You see them praying, you see how meaningful it is for them, and you see the love they have for each other,” DeLaRosa said.

DeLaRosa also stressed a broader message: “Faith impacts one’s whole life. We’re all children of God, made in God’s image. Building relationships with others is super important.”

Through this annual visit, students are encouraged not only to observe a different tradition but also to reflect on their own beliefs and how they live them out in a diverse world.