Sts. Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church

I have seen this church being built on Rosemead parkway, and have always been curious. I am of a Russian Christian Orthodox Faith and I was not sure if going to an Antiochian Church would provide a similar experience. I read that all Orthodox parishes are truly the same but since they are mostly culturally different, that is what I will notice . It was true. What I loved is that they have church etiquette explained (as we are slightly different ) . I read it and I felt more at ease. I came 30 minutes before service and I wished someone greeted me or asked me anything or welcomed me (before or after). No one spoke to me, so I did not connect. For example when I went to StSava is Allen people reached out to me right away and I felt included. Not a big deal at all, but it would have been nice. There was only 20-30 people in that day so it was obvious that I was alone. Now if you are like me, chanting is notably different from Russian Orthodox. Some parts almost sound like if you were in a synagogue. I am super curious and I am thinking to ask Bishop Gerasim about it (from Saint Seraphim). I do not know so many things and very curious to learn. Saints Constantine is very close to my home , but I am not sure if I should seek and connect with Russian Orthodox Parish or go to Saints Constantine or maybe both. Of course it was wonderful to be there and to pray (the main reason I went there).

2 years ago

This church has been a part of my whole life (as I was baptized at the old location) and watching it grow has been an absolute blessing. We have experienced different priests, and continued to flourish as a community. Through all the changes, one thing has remained the same—our deep-rooted faith and the love we share as Orthodox Christians. Father David has been one of the best priests to serve our church. His guidance, wisdom, and dedication have truly strengthened our parish. The church itself is absolutely beautiful, a peaceful and sacred place where you can feel God’s presence. If you’re looking for a welcoming and faith-filled community, this is the place to be! I can't wait to have my daughter baptized at the same church I was and to watch her faith grow at the church!

a year ago

Truly, truly, I say unto thee. If you are local and seekTheosis you need not look any further. Come and see... Please come with patience. For not all will understand this. But all great things come to those who wait. ❤☦❤

a year ago

I have visited an Arabic Orthodox church a couple of times. Having studied Arabic for a decade, I thought it would be nice to attend this church since it is closer to my home than the Greek Orthodox church. My 13-year-old son and I sat under the dome during our first visit. We could hear the sermon easily, and the congregation appeared to be serious worshippers, which we appreciated. Although the Greek prayers were mispronounced, it was easy to overlook. After two weeks, we returned for a second visit. This time, we sat about three or four pews away from where we sat during our first visit, arriving 10 minutes before the service began. Shortly after we sat down, a dozen or more children and their mothers surrounded us, along with a pair of teenage girls sitting without parents. Both the mothers and their children would not stop talking during the service. While it’s understandable for toddlers to act up, it was frustrating that the mothers and the teenage girls were also disruptive to the point where we could hardly hear the bishop. After an hour of enduring what felt like a mother-and-child playdate instead of a church service, my son and I decided to leave. We couldn’t take it any longer and opted to return to the Greek Orthodox Church, where the congregation shows much more respect during prayers and sermons. Another gentleman nearby seemed to be losing patience with the disruptive teenagers—one of whom was playing with a yo-yo and laughing throughout the service—while the parents did not discipline or remove them. I was puzzled about why they were at the service since they weren’t engaging in prayer, and I wasn't sure which adults were responsible for them.

8 months ago

This place is special and not an ordinary church; it is amazing and beautiful. Yesterday I had an encounter with God there. It was my first time to attend and I was mightily impressed. Lord willing, I will be back.

a year ago