What follows below delves into various aspects of Orthodoxy, providing insights for those interested in understanding the connection between Divine Liturgy and Orthodox Christian life. Do not hesitate to contact us or attend a service to gain a better understanding.
An orthodox life is a combination of Divine Liturgy and Orthodox Christian life.
The Orthodox Church traces its origins to the very feast of Pentecost and the earliest days of Christianity. It has preserved the apostolic faith through centuries of theological development, cultural exchange, and historical events. Understanding the history of the Orthodox Church involves 3 topics:
The liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church is filled with feast days and periods of fasting.
Major feasts celebrate the life of Christ, the Theotokos (Mother of God), and the saints.
Fasting periods, such as Great Lent, are times of spiritual renewal, marked by increased prayer, almsgiving, and abstinence from certain foods. This reminds us how dependent we are on God’s sustenance.
Part 1: The Liturgy of the Catechumens
Entrance - This includes prayers and chants at the beginning of the service. In the East, it features the Great Litany and three antiphons, as well as the Troparia and Kontakia. In the West, it includes the Kyrie, Gloria, and the Introit and Collects.
Proclamation - Scripture passages are proclaimed in both the East and West, accompanied by special chants, such as the Gradual and Alleluia or Tract in the West, along with verses for the day.
Homily - In both the East and West, it is customary to follow the Gospel reading with a homily, typically focused on the Gospel passage or the theme of the day.
Part 2: The Liturgy of the Faithful
Nicene Creed - The word “creed” comes from its Latin beginning, Credo (“I believe”). The East calls the Creed the “Symbol of Faith”.
Oblation - The gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar with reverence. In the West, this is done solemnly and directly, while in the East, the gifts are processed into the Nave during the Great Entrance. The Eastern Liturgy follows with the Cherubic Hymn, while the West sings the Offertory chant, often followed by a hymn. The Western offertory prayers are offered here, similar to the Prothesis in the Eastern Liturgy.
Consecration - In both Eastern and Western rites, the priest begins with the words, “Lift up your hearts” (Sursum corda). And for both rites, the Eucharistic prayers share the same essential features: they are addressed to the Father, include Jesus’ words of institution, invoke the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood, and conclude with a Trinitarian doxology
Communion - The faithful then receive both the Body & Blood (administered with a spoon in the East, and usually through intinction (dipping of the bread in the wine) and received together in the West), while hymns may be sung. Bread that has been blessed (but not consecrated) is offered to all (antidoron in the East, panis benedictus in the West).
Dismissal - After the remaining Eucharist is properly cared for, the priest dismisses and blesses the people.
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