Worship & Services
84 writings in Worship & Services. Clear
Worship & Services
Church Etiquette: How to Greet an Orthodox Priest
Laity traditionally greet priests and bishops by kissing them on the right hand.
Worship & Services
How do Vespers, Orthros, and Divine Liturgy together tell the whole story of salvation?
These three services walk you through the entire Christian story, from creation to communion with God. Vespers opens in evening darkness with the memory of…
Worship & Services
What if my child is being disruptive during Liturgy?
Your child belongs in the Liturgy, even when they’re noisy. Let’s talk about what that actually looks like on a Sunday morning when your toddler’s…
Worship & Services
Why is coffee hour important in Orthodox parish life?
Coffee hour is where the Church becomes a family. After we’ve stood together through the Divine Liturgy, after we’ve received Christ’s Body and Blood, we…
Worship & Services
Why do Orthodox Christians call their priests Father when Jesus said to call no man father?
We call priests “Father” because they’re our spiritual fathers, they baptize us, guide us, teach us, and shepherd us in the faith. Jesus wasn’t forbidding…
Worship & Services
Can I take photos or video during Orthodox services?
Generally, no. Most Orthodox parishes discourage or prohibit photography during the Divine Liturgy and other services. There are exceptions for weddings, baptisms, and special occasions,…
Worship & Services
What are the different areas of an Orthodox church building and what are they for?
An Orthodox church building is divided into three main areas: the narthex (entrance), the nave (where the congregation stands), and the sanctuary (where the priest…
Worship & Services
What is the narthex and what is it used for?
The narthex is the entrance area of an Orthodox church, located at the western end of the building. It’s the space you walk into before…
Worship & Services
What does each piece of the priest’s vestments symbolize?
When a priest vests for the Divine Liturgy, he’s putting on Christ. Each piece of his vestments represents something specific about the priesthood and the…
Worship & Services
How is prosphora made?
Prosphora is leavened bread baked for the Divine Liturgy using four simple ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is stamped with a liturgical…
Worship & Services
What are the commemoration lists (diptychs)?
The diptychs are lists of names, living and departed, that we pray for during the Divine Liturgy. Simple as that. The word comes from Greek…
Worship & Services
How do I submit names for prayer?
You can submit names by writing them down and giving them to the church office or your priest. Most parishes have a form or email…
