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Services
Sunday Services:
Matins: 10:00 AM
Divine Liturgy: 10:55 AM
Q: What is the Orthodox
Divine Liturgy about?
A: Undoubtedly, the central aspect of Orthodox Christian life is participation
in the Divine Liturgy. The most oft celebrated Liturgy in the Orthodox Church is
the one attributed to St. John Chrysostom, and which bears his name. (There are
four other forms of Liturgy used in the Orthodox Church.) Participation by
Orthodox Christians in the Liturgy is active, not passive.
Orthodox Christians consider the Liturgy to be 'Heaven on Earth' and try to
experience this reality in many ways. Bright and colorful vestments are worn by
the Clergy, in order to symbolize and make real the beauty of Heaven. Clouds of
incense fill the Sanctuary and spread throughout the church as the deacons or
priests cense the icons and the congregation, signifying the elevation of their
prayers to God's throne (Revelation 8: 3-5). Candles are lit by worshippers in
front of the icons, to remind themselves of Christ's light and of the warmth of
God's love. The faithful move freely in the church, feeling at home in God's
House. They frequently make the sign of the cross when they pray, to remind
themselves both of Christ's sacrifice on the Cross and of their own cross in
life. They usually stand or kneel rather than sit in prayer. They frequently
make prostrations before the icons to express their deep sense of respect for
the saints.. They try to attain perfect reconciliation with God their Father and
pray for the salvation of the world around them. And they seek to discover the
presence of God everywhere.
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