Liturgy & Worship
15 topics
EssentialLiturgy & WorshipThe Divine LiturgyThe central act of Orthodox worship: the Eucharistic celebration. The most common forms are the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (most Sundays) and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (10 times per year). The Liturgy re-presents the entire economy of salvation from Incarnation to Second Coming. It is heaven on earth.EssentialLiturgy & WorshipLiturgy of St. John ChrysostomThe most frequently celebrated form of the Divine Liturgy in Orthodoxy. Attributed to St. John Chrysostom (c. 349-407), though its current form developed over centuries. Structure: Proskomedia (preparation), Liturgy of the Catechumens (readings, homily), Liturgy of the Faithful (Anaphora, consecration, communion).ImportantLiturgy & WorshipLiturgy of St. Basil the GreatUsed on 10 specific occasions per year: the five Sundays of Great Lent, Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve, Theophany Eve, and the Feast of St. Basil (Jan 1). The Anaphora (Eucharistic prayer) is significantly longer and more theologically detailed than the Chrysostom form.ImportantLiturgy & WorshipLiturgy of the Presanctified GiftsA Vespers service with communion from previously consecrated gifts (no consecration takes place). Served on Wednesdays and Fridays of Great Lent and the first three days of Holy Week. Attributed to St. Gregory the Dialogist (Pope Gregory I). A deeply penitential, contemplative service.ImportantLiturgy & WorshipOrthros / Matins (Morning Service)The morning service, often served immediately before the Divine Liturgy. Rich in hymnography and psalmody. It includes the Six Psalms, the Kathisma readings, the Canon of nine odes with their troparia, and the Praises, Psalms 148 to 150, after which comes the Great Doxology. Liturgically it represents the coming of Christ as the Light of the world, which is what the Doxology proclaims: "Glory to Thee who hast shown us the light."ImportantLiturgy & WorshipThe Akathist HymnThe most famous and beloved hymn of the Orthodox Church, dedicated to the Theotokos. An 'akathist' means 'not seated': the congregation stands throughout. Composed in the 5th-6th century (attributed variously to St. Romanos or Patriarch Sergius). Chanted in full during the 5th Saturday of Great Lent and at other times. Contains 24 stanzas alternating 'Rejoice' invocations.ImportantLiturgy & WorshipThe IconostasisThe icon-adorned screen separating the nave from the altar/sanctuary in an Orthodox church. Features tiers of icons: local tier (Christ, Theotokos, patron saint), Deesis tier (Christ enthroned with intercessors), Feasts tier, Prophets tier. The Royal Doors (center) open during specific liturgical moments, revealing the altar.ImportantLiturgy & WorshipThe TypikonThe book that orders the services: which hymns are sung on which day, how the fixed calendar of the Menaion is combined with the movable cycle of the Triodion and Pentecostarion, what happens when a great feast falls in Lent, and how strictly to fast. It is not a single book but a family of them, descending from the monastic rules of St Sabbas and of the Stoudios, with the Typikon of the Great Church governing much Greek parish usage. Every apparent inconsistency between two Orthodox parishes usually turns out to be two Typika, both ancient.ImportantLiturgy & WorshipVespers (Evening Service)The evening service that begins the liturgical day (which starts at sunset). Great Vespers is served on Saturday evenings and feast-day eves. Includes Psalm 103, 'Lord, I Have Cried' psalms, Phos Hilaron ('Gladsome Light'), the Prokeimenon, and Aposticha.Liturgy & WorshipHoly Water (Agiasmos)Water blessed by priestly prayer and the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Two forms: Great Blessing of Water (at Theophany, January 6, commemorating Christ's baptism in the Jordan) and Small Blessing (throughout the year). Used for blessing homes, objects, and persons. Drunk by the faithful after fasting. The Great Blessing makes the water truly sanctified.Liturgy & WorshipOrthodox Church ArchitectureThe traditional Orthodox church building is a theological statement in stone. Key features: cruciform plan or cross-in-square; dome representing heaven (often with Christ Pantocrator frescoed inside); narthex (entrance), nave (for the faithful), and sanctuary (altar area behind the iconostasis). The entire building is oriented East: toward the rising sun symbolizing Christ.Liturgy & WorshipProsphora (Liturgical Bread)The leavened bread offered for the Divine Liturgy. Baked from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt, symbolizing Christ's full humanity. Stamped with a seal (usually IC XC NI KA, 'Jesus Christ Conquers'). During the Proskomedia, the priest cuts portions: the Lamb (for consecration), particles for the Theotokos, saints, living, and departed.Liturgy & WorshipCompline (Apodeipnon)The last service of the day, prayed after supper. Small Compline is the everyday form. Great Compline is served during Great Lent (Monday-Thursday evenings) and features the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete during the first week. Includes the confession of faith, Psalm 50, and the prayer 'It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos.'Liturgy & WorshipThe Hours (Horai)Short services marking the canonical hours: First (6am), Third (9am), Sixth (noon) and Ninth (3pm). Each keeps its own memory. The First recalls Christ led before Pilate, the Third the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Sixth the nailing to the Cross, the Ninth His death. Monasteries serve all four daily; parishes commonly serve the Third and Sixth before the Liturgy.Liturgy & WorshipAntidoronBlessed bread distributed to all at the end of the Divine Liturgy: both those who communed and those who did not. Made from the prosphora bread not used for the Eucharist. A sign of fellowship and sharing in the community.