Understanding the Liturgy
A simple guide to the Divine Liturgy and what to expect.
The Centre of Orthodox Worship
The Divine Liturgy is the central act of worship in the Orthodox Church. It is not a service to watch, but one the whole congregation takes part in together. What follows is a simple guide to what happens and why.
The Preparation of the Offerings (The Proskomedia)
Before the Liturgy begins, the priest quietly prepares the bread and wine at the Altar.
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This hidden preparation mirrors Christ’s hidden life before His public ministry ... a quiet work that makes everything that follows possible.
The Antiphons
Psalms and ancient hymns of praise to gather our hearts and minds as the service opens, uniting us as one praying congregation.
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Nothing is asked of you yet except to stand, listen, and let the noise of the week settle. This is the Church at prayer before it turns to teach.
The Small Entrance & Readings
The Gospel Book is carried in procession, followed by the reading of the Epistle and Holy Gospel.
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This procession represents Christ coming into the world to teach. We listen to the scriptures as the living Word of God, followed by the sermon to help us apply these teachings to daily life.
The Great Entrance
Bread and wine are carried in solemn procession through the church to the Altar.
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This procession represents Christ going willingly to His Passion. Here, the focus shifts as we enter the second half of the service (the Liturgy of the Faithful).
The Anaphora
The great Eucharistic prayer, in which the Holy Spirit is called down upon the gifts.
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This is the still center of the Divine Liturgy, the sacred moment when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. As the priest proclaims: “Thine own of Thine own we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all.”
"Thine own of Thine own we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all."
Holy Communion
The faithful come forward to receive the Holy Mysteries.
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Visitors who are not Orthodox are warmly invited to come forward at the end of the service for a blessing and to receive the blessed bread (antidoron).
Dismissal & Coffee Hour
A final blessing sends the congregation out into the world in peace.
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The fellowship of the Liturgy continues immediately afterward over refreshments in the parish hall. An essential part of parish life where community is built and sustained.
What Will I See?
Standing
Standing is the ancient posture of prayer in the Orthodox Church. If it is difficult, please sit. Seats are available and no one will mind.
Icons
Icons are honoured, not worshiped. They are windows onto heaven, reminding us that the saints are praying alongside us.
Incense
Incense is prayer made visible, honoring God’s presence. This is why the congregation is censed as well as the altar.
Chanting
Almost the whole service is sung rather than spoken, an ancient way of praying that draws the whole person into worship.
Processions
The clergy carry the Gospel Book and, later, the bread and wine through the church. These are key moments worth watching for.
Scripture Readings
An Epistle and a Gospel reading are set for every service, usually followed by a short sermon.
Communion
The faithful come forward to receive the Holy Mysteries. Visitors are welcome to come for a blessing.
You Don't Need to Know Everything
No one expects a first-time visitor to follow every part of the service. Come as you are, stand where you feel comfortable, and let the Liturgy unfold around you: understanding grows with time, not before it.