Worship & Services
84 writings in Worship & Services. Clear
Worship & Services
Why does the priest go behind the iconostasis?
The priest goes behind the iconostasis because that’s where the altar is. The sanctuary behind that icon-covered screen is the holiest space in the church,…
Worship & Services
What is happening when the curtain is closed?
The priest is offering the Eucharistic sacrifice. When you see the curtain drawn across the Royal Doors during the Divine Liturgy, the most sacred part…
Worship & Services
What is the Epistle reading?
The Epistle is a reading from the New Testament chanted during the Divine Liturgy, taken from the letters of the apostles or the Book of…
Worship & Services
What is the sermon or homily?
The homily is a short teaching given by the priest right after the Gospel reading during the Divine Liturgy. It’s meant to help you understand…
Worship & Services
What is the Cherubic Hymn?
The Cherubic Hymn is the hymn we sing during the Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy, when the priest carries the bread and wine from…
Worship & Services
What is the Anaphora?
The Anaphora is the Eucharistic prayer at the heart of the Divine Liturgy. It’s the moment when we offer the bread and wine to God…
Worship & Services
What is the Epiclesis?
The Epiclesis is the moment in the Divine Liturgy when the priest calls on God the Father to send the Holy Spirit down upon the…
Worship & Services
When does the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ?
The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy. But we don’t…
Worship & Services
What is antidoron (blessed bread)?
Antidoron is the blessed bread left over from the loaves used to prepare the Eucharist. After the priest cuts out the center portion (called the…
Worship & Services
Can anyone receive antidoron?
Yes. At St. Michael, everyone present is invited to receive antidoron at the end of the Liturgy. It’s blessed bread from the Liturgy, not consecrated…
Worship & Services
What is Matins (Orthros)?
Matins is the Orthodox Church’s morning prayer service. It’s the last of the night offices and the longest of our daily cycle of services, preparing…
Worship & Services
What is Great Vespers?
Great Vespers is the main evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, usually served on Saturday evenings to prepare us for Sunday’s celebration of the…
