Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons — Local services in Town of Southampton

A few days ago Fr. Constantine Lazarakis from the Greek Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary invited me to photograph the Divine Liturgy. His Grace, Bishop Themi, the founder of Paradise 4 Kids, led us in worship. Photographing a Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy requires sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of the sacred nature of the event. The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, located in the Hamptons, serves as a prominent spiritual and cultural center for the Orthodox Christian community. It offers a wide array of ministries, youth programs, and events like the annual Hamptons Greek Festival and the Blue Dream Summer Gala. My main photographic considerations during the Divine Liturgy are the following: Many Orthodox churches are dimly lit to create a contemplative atmosphere. I prefer to use lenses with a wide aperture (f/1.4 or f/2) to maximize light intake. My favorite lenses are the Canon 200mm f/2, the Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4 and a 50mm f/1.2. The use of flash can be disruptive and distract from the reverence of the service. This is why I prefer using only available light. My intention is to capture key moments such as: • Architecture and Icons: I begin with photos of the church’s interior, iconostasis, and icons to set the context. • The Liturgy: I capture the procession of clergy, the incensing, the raising of the Gospel, and the chalice. • Clergy and Vestments: I focus on the ornate vestments and sacred vessels, as these are integral to the visual richness of the liturgy. While photographing a Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy, the photographer must be respectful and understanding of the...

I live in Hampton Bays and each summer I enjoy the festival at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons. My late husband was of Greek decent therefore I am familiar with all the foods and traditions. They are all beautiful and inspiring to all who experience them either from heritage or like myself in marriage. My family and I keep those tradition in our homes and our hearts. Easter is the most important to us especially when we do Chistos Anesti...

Lovely open bright space, actually perfect for worship and/or art shows which are often held here. (wonderful priest and his wife). They also sell some Greek goods there. I attended the Shin pop-up gallery in this Southampton Venue . Lovely choices of art especially the impressive works by Congo, chimpanzee...