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Holy Liturgy ofHoly Liturgy ofOrthodox ChurchOrthodox Church

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The word “The word “orthodoxorthodox” ” means “means “right beliefright belief” or ” or

““right praiseright praise” ”

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Orthodox churches still use forms Orthodox churches still use forms of worship that were practiced in of worship that were practiced in

the first centuries.the first centuries. Our worship is based to a great Our worship is based to a great extent on passages from extent on passages from Holy Holy

Scripture.Scripture. We sing most of the service, joining We sing most of the service, joining

our voices in simple harmony to our voices in simple harmony to

ancient melodies.ancient melodies.

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Worship in the Orthodox perceptive does Worship in the Orthodox perceptive does not simply mean prayer alone. It is not simply mean prayer alone. It is

beyond prayer.  beyond prayer.  Prayer means communion with God in a Prayer means communion with God in a

personal way. personal way.  Worship means doing prayer collective.Worship means doing prayer collective.

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For the Orthodox worship and liturgy For the Orthodox worship and liturgy include some or all the include some or all the fivefive senses senses

the sightthe sight, , hearinghearing, smelling, , smelling, touchingtouching & & tastingtasting. .

ByBy sight sight : :Sees the worship going onSees the worship going onHears the prayers, jingling of bells, Hears the prayers, jingling of bells,

melodious music melodious music Smells the incense: Smells the incense: sense of smell is sense of smell is

used to enlighten the minds and hearts used to enlighten the minds and hearts of the worshipers, bringing them into of the worshipers, bringing them into

closer communion with God. closer communion with God. Touches each other at the kiss of peaceTouches each other at the kiss of peace Tastes the eternal food at receiving the Tastes the eternal food at receiving the

Holy Eucharist.Holy Eucharist.

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Again I say unto you, That if Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on two of you shall agree on

earth as touching any thing earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall that they shall ask, it shall

be done for them of My be done for them of My Father which is in heaven. Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are For where two or three are gathered together in my gathered together in my name, there am I in the name, there am I in the midst of them midst of them (Matthew (Matthew

18:19 20).18:19 20).

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EuchariEuchariststicic service is  service is based on experiencing based on experiencing the salvific actions of the salvific actions of Jesus ("Jesus ("do this in my do this in my remembrance of meremembrance of me") ") using bread and wine, using bread and wine,

and saying His own words and saying His own words (known as words of the (known as words of the

institution).  institution). 

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EucharistEucharist  (εὐχαριστία GK)(εὐχαριστία GK) is  is  holy mysteryholy mystery (Mysterion GK) :or ROZO (Syr)  (Mysterion GK) :or ROZO (Syr)

that is celebrated during the that is celebrated during the Divine LiturgyDivine Liturgy within the  within the Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church, where the bread , where the bread

and wine gets consecrated through the and wine gets consecrated through the power of the power of the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit to become Precious  to become Precious

Blood and Body of Blood and Body of Jesus ChristJesus Christ that is that is consumed by consumed by prepared Orthodox Christians. prepared Orthodox Christians.

Other names for the Eucharist include:  Other names for the Eucharist include:  Holy Holy GiftsGifts, , CommunionCommunion, and the , and the Body and Blood of our Body and Blood of our

LordLord Jesus Christ Jesus Christ   Orthodox ChristiansOrthodox Christians believe that the Real and believe that the Real and

full Presence of Jesus Christ (not merely a full Presence of Jesus Christ (not merely a sign) is with the body and the Blood after sign) is with the body and the Blood after

consecrationconsecration .  . 

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Eucharist= Eucharist= ThanksgivingThanksgiving

It is instituted by Jesus Christ It is instituted by Jesus Christ before His passion. before His passion.

The Holy Apostles and Evangelists The Holy Apostles and Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, thus in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, thus in

detail describe the institution of the detail describe the institution of the Holy Eucharist during the Lord's Holy Eucharist during the Lord's

Supper on His Passover Supper on His Passover Mat 26: 26-29; Mark 14: 22-24; Luke Mat 26: 26-29; Mark 14: 22-24; Luke

22:19-23; 22:19-23; 1 Cor 11: 23-26 1 Cor 11: 23-26

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Christ took the bread in His Holy hands and Christ took the bread in His Holy hands and looking up to heaven, gave glory and thanks to looking up to heaven, gave glory and thanks to

the Father, broke it into parts and gave it to the Father, broke it into parts and gave it to the disciples saying: the disciples saying: "Take, eat, this is my "Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you".body which is given for you". The disciples The disciples

took the bread from His hands, and divided it took the bread from His hands, and divided it among themselves. After, He took the cup of among themselves. After, He took the cup of wine mixed with water, gave thanks to God wine mixed with water, gave thanks to God

the Father, and said to the disciples: the Father, and said to the disciples: "Drink ye "Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood of the New all of it, for this is my blood of the New

Testament which is shed for you and many for Testament which is shed for you and many for the remission of sins".the remission of sins". And they all drank of it. And they all drank of it.

After, He commanded them: After, He commanded them: "This do in "This do in remembrance of me".remembrance of me". The Holy Apostles The Holy Apostles strictly fulfilled this command of Christ and strictly fulfilled this command of Christ and celebrated the Sacrament of Communion.celebrated the Sacrament of Communion.

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Eucharist is the center of life Eucharist is the center of life in the in the Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church

  Because the Church is primarily a Because the Church is primarily a Eucharistic community. Eucharistic community.

Eucharist is the completion and Eucharist is the completion and culmination of all mysteries of the culmination of all mysteries of the Church. It is the souls and goal of Church. It is the souls and goal of all her doctrines and institutions.all her doctrines and institutions.

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leavened breadleavened bread

The The Orthodox ChurchOrthodox Church uses leavened  uses leavened bread bread

According to the According to the Gospel of Saint JohnGospel of Saint John Last Supper Last Supper

and Passion and Passion

took place during the evening, took place during the evening, night and day time of night and day time of 

Passover DayPassover Day, therefore leavened , therefore leavened bread was eaten in Last Supper. bread was eaten in Last Supper. 

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Jesus as the celebrantJesus as the celebrant At the Eucharist At the Eucharist the sacrifice the sacrifice

offered is Christ himselfoffered is Christ himself. .

Christ himself performs the Christ himself performs the act of offeringact of offering Eucharist in the Eucharist in the Church.Church.

He is both He is both Priest Priest and and Lamp Lamp being offeredbeing offered..

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Jesus Christ as the Jesus Christ as the EucharistEucharist

In Orthodox Theology In Orthodox Theology He is GodHe is God He is Sacrificial AnimalHe is Sacrificial Animal He is the Priest who offersHe is the Priest who offers He is the one who receive the He is the one who receive the

offeringoffering He is the fulfiller /effect of Sacrifice He is the fulfiller /effect of Sacrifice

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We offer to TheeWe offer to Thee Eucharist is offered to Eucharist is offered to GodGod the Holy  the Holy

TrinityTrinity. . It is not just to the It is not just to the FatherFather, but also to the , but also to the 

Holy SpiritHoly Spirit and to  and to ChristChrist Himself. Himself. Each Prayer ends with a doxology to Each Prayer ends with a doxology to

the Holy Trinitythe Holy Trinity Now, what is the sacrifice of the Now, what is the sacrifice of the

Eucharist? Who offers it ? and to whom is Eucharist? Who offers it ? and to whom is it offered? it offered?

The answer is always The answer is always Jesus ChristJesus Christ..

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We We offer for all, for the whole offer for all, for the whole UniverseUniverse

According to Orthodox According to Orthodox Theology, Eucharist is a Theology, Eucharist is a propitiatory sacrifice propitiatory sacrifice offered on behalf of both offered on behalf of both the the living living and the and the departed and for the departed and for the whole Universewhole Universe..

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When an Orthodox Christian is preparing When an Orthodox Christian is preparing to partake in the Holy Communion, he to partake in the Holy Communion, he

must first of all must first of all cleanse his soul through cleanse his soul through repentancerepentance and and confessionconfession..

Without these the Orthodox Church Without these the Orthodox Church doesn't allow the faithful to Communicate. doesn't allow the faithful to Communicate.

Confession is a whole- hearted Confession is a whole- hearted acknowledgement of all our sins, errors, acknowledgement of all our sins, errors, and faults, together with a determination and faults, together with a determination

to be good and to live according to the to be good and to live according to the commandments of Christ. commandments of Christ.

At confession At confession absolution is receivedabsolution is received, which , which is the is the Church's assurance of God's Church's assurance of God's

forgivenessforgiveness. . RepentanceRepentance is joined with is joined with fasting fasting and and on on the day that we receive the communion the day that we receive the communion we must abstain from food for at least 6 we must abstain from food for at least 6

hours until we receive communion.hours until we receive communion.

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Prayer is the Prayer is the essence of essence of the Orthodox Christian the Orthodox Christian

way of lifeway of life. . It is the means by which It is the means by which one achieves communion one achieves communion with Godwith God. Moreover, it is . Moreover, it is the the meansmeans by which by which one one

experiences the presence experiences the presence of God in of God in his/herhis/her life. life.

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Pray in the Pray in the morningmorning, in the , in the afternoonafternoon, in the , in the eveningevening, before , before

sleepsleep, before , before mealsmeals, simply, , simply, throughout the daythroughout the day. .

The Orthodox Church therefore The Orthodox Church therefore encourages both encourages both private prayerprivate prayer (taking place personally and (taking place personally and

privately between God and us) and privately between God and us) and corporate prayercorporate prayer (taking place in the (taking place in the Divine Liturgy, the Holy Mysteries, Divine Liturgy, the Holy Mysteries,

and other services of the Church) as and other services of the Church) as

a means to this end.a means to this end.

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Whether corporate or Whether corporate or private, private,

prayer is understood in the prayer is understood in the Orthodox Church as the Orthodox Church as the

‘‘lifting of the mind and heart to lifting of the mind and heart to God’.God’. We turn our minds and We turn our minds and our hearts toward our hearts toward HimHim and and

His willHis will. . This is accomplished by This is accomplished by

either either speaking to Him with speaking to Him with wordswords or or by being in silenceby being in silence, ,

trusting in God and being trusting in God and being open to His will for us.open to His will for us.

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The Daily Cycle of PrayerThe Daily Cycle of Prayer  

The Evening ServiceThe Evening Service In the Orthodox Church the In the Orthodox Church the

liturgical day fromliturgical day from evening evening to to evening, i.e. with the setting of the evening, i.e. with the setting of the

sun. This practice follows the sun. This practice follows the biblical account of creation;" And biblical account of creation;" And there was evening and there was there was evening and there was

morning, one day" morning, one day" (Genesis 1:5). (Genesis 1:5).

It takes us through creation, sin, It takes us through creation, sin, and salvation in Christ.and salvation in Christ.

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The Compline ServiceThe Compline Service “Soothara” “Soothara”It is a service of It is a service of psalmspsalms and and prayersprayers to read following the evening meal to read following the evening meal

before one retires to sleep. before one retires to sleep. It focuses on three things: It focuses on three things:

thanksgiving for the day that has thanksgiving for the day that has passedpassed; ; protection for the ensuing protection for the ensuing nightnight; and ; and forgiveness of wrongs forgiveness of wrongs

committed during the day. committed during the day. 

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The The Midnight Midnight PrayerPrayer

This service consists of This service consists of psalms psalms and and prayers prayers that are said in the that are said in the middle of the night. This service middle of the night. This service focuses on the significant focuses on the significant "middle" of the night events that "middle" of the night events that are found in Scripture, the are found in Scripture, the resurrection of our Lord and His resurrection of our Lord and His Second Coming. Second Coming. 

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The Morning Service The Morning Service The The Service is centered in Service is centered in

thanksgiving for the coming of thanksgiving for the coming of the true light of Christthe true light of Christ and calls and calls

all to repentance by uniting the all to repentance by uniting the elements of morning psalms and elements of morning psalms and

prayer with mediation, the Gospel prayer with mediation, the Gospel reading, and the particular theme of reading, and the particular theme of

the day in the given verses and the day in the given verses and hymns. hymns.

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The Mid Day PrayerThe Mid Day Prayerconsists of 3 hr 6hr &9consists of 3 hr 6hr &9ththhrhrThe central prayer of each The central prayer of each hour is the Lord's Prayer. hour is the Lord's Prayer.

In addition each hour has a set In addition each hour has a set of of psalms, hymnspsalms, hymns, and , and a a

distinctive prayer for that Hourdistinctive prayer for that Hour. . Each Hour has a particular Each Hour has a particular

theme based upon some theme based upon some aspects of the Christ-event and aspects of the Christ-event and

salvation history.salvation history.

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LiturgyLiturgy  is a term that refers to is a term that refers to acts of worship that are acts of worship that are

performed by the members of performed by the members of a religious group. a religious group. 

A liturgy is also called a A liturgy is also called a riterite  or or a a ritualritual..  

Most religions have their own Most religions have their own liturgy. liturgy. 

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A liturgy may combine A liturgy may combine words, words, musicmusic,, and  and gesturesgestures..  

It also may include It also may include religious religious objectsobjects, such , such

as as altars altars and and special clothinspecial clothing, g, and and symbolic actssymbolic acts, such , such as as pouringpouring or  or sprinkling sprinkling

waterwater as part of the ceremony of  as part of the ceremony of baptismbaptism. . 

Some liturgical services are held Some liturgical services are held at certain times of the day, at certain times of the day,

week, or year. week, or year. They may take place on a fast They may take place on a fast

day, festival, or Sabbath.day, festival, or Sabbath.

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The principal liturgical service in The principal liturgical service in Christianity is called the Christianity is called the Eucharist, Eucharist,

Holy CommunionHoly Communion, , Holy QurbanaHoly Qurbana.  .  The most important events of the The most important events of the Christian liturgical year are the Christian liturgical year are the

ChristmasChristmas  and the and the EasterEaster..  

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Christianity has many forms of liturgy. Christianity has many forms of liturgy. 

The most widespread ones are the The most widespread ones are the Byzantine Byzantine form form and the and the LatinLatin, or , or Roman form and the Roman form and the Syrian FormSyrian Form..

  The The Byzantine riteByzantine rite is used by the is used by the Greek and Greek and Russian Orthodox ChurchRussian Orthodox Church and and several several other Eastern churches.other Eastern churches.

The The Latin riteLatin rite is used by the is used by the Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Church Church

Syrian Form is used by the Syriac Syrian Form is used by the Syriac Orthodox Churches, for instance The Orthodox Churches, for instance The Malankara Orthodox Syrian ChurchMalankara Orthodox Syrian Church

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Holy CommunionHoly CommunionIn Christian churches, is the sacrament (holy In Christian churches, is the sacrament (holy

ceremony) of ceremony) of the Lord's Supperthe Lord's Supper..  The Gospels and I Corinthians report that at the The Gospels and I Corinthians report that at the

Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples ”Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples ”eat, for eat, for this is my body, and drink, for this is my this is my body, and drink, for this is my bloodblood..

  Many Protestants call the sacrament the Lord's Many Protestants call the sacrament the Lord's Supper.Supper.

  Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and members of the Anglicans, Roman Catholics, and members of the Eastern Orthodox churches call the ceremony Eastern Orthodox churches call the ceremony the Eucharist or Holy Communion.the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

  Some Protestant churches observe the ritual Some Protestant churches observe the ritual monthly or weekly.monthly or weekly.

  Others observe it four times a year.Others observe it four times a year.  Roman Catholics must receive Communion during Roman Catholics must receive Communion during

the Easter season, and often they receive weekly the Easter season, and often they receive weekly or daily Communion.or daily Communion.

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IIIIClergyClergy   

There are three major orders of Orthodox There are three major orders of Orthodox clergy--clergy--Bishops, PriestsBishops, Priests, and , and DeaconsDeacons..

 There are also two chief minor orders-- There are also two chief minor orders--sub sub deaconsdeacons and  and readersreaders..

 Deacons, sub deacons, and readers assist  Deacons, sub deacons, and readers assist the priest during religious services. the priest during religious services. 

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PriestsPriests The priest's daily dress is a The priest's daily dress is a black black

roberobe; in India, due to the hot ; in India, due to the hot weather, priests tend to wear a weather, priests tend to wear a

white robewhite robe. . Bishops usually wear a Bishops usually wear a blackblack or a or a

red robered robe with a with a red beltred belt. .

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Vestments The clergy of the Orthodox Church

have unique vestments quite distinct from other Christian

denominations.

The vestments worn by the clergy vary with their hierarchical order in

the priesthood.

The deacons, the priests, the bishops, and the Catholicose have

distinct liturgical vestments.

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The liturgical vestmentsThe liturgical vestments The liturgical vestments are worn by the The liturgical vestments are worn by the

priest during the Order of Aaron in the priest during the Order of Aaron in the preparatory prayers that precede the preparatory prayers that precede the celebration of the divine mysteries. celebration of the divine mysteries.

The priest first puts away his outer The priest first puts away his outer garments, saying: garments, saying: Remove from me, O Remove from me, O Lord God, the unholy garments wherewith Lord God, the unholy garments wherewith Satan has clothed me by the filth of my Satan has clothed me by the filth of my evil deeds, and clothe me with the choice evil deeds, and clothe me with the choice garments that are fitting for the service of garments that are fitting for the service of Thy glory and for the praise of Thy holy Thy glory and for the praise of Thy holy Name, O our Lord and our God, forever.Name, O our Lord and our God, forever.

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CapCap

The priest then puts on The priest then puts on the the phirophiro (lit. 'fruit'), a small black  (lit. 'fruit'), a small black cap which the priest must wear cap which the priest must wear during all public prayers. during all public prayers.

It consists of seven sections which It consists of seven sections which indicate the full priesthood of the indicate the full priesthood of the celebrant. celebrant.

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The priest also puts on shoe”The priest also puts on shoe”msonemsone, , ceremonial shoes which are worn during ceremonial shoes which are worn during

the celebration of the Holy the celebration of the Holy QurbonoQurbono. . Upon wearing the left shoe, the priest Upon wearing the left shoe, the priest

recites, recites, May my feet, O Lord God, be shod May my feet, O Lord God, be shod with the preparation of the Gospel of with the preparation of the Gospel of peace so that I may tread underfoot peace so that I may tread underfoot

serpents and scorpions and all the power serpents and scorpions and all the power of the enemy, for ever.of the enemy, for ever.  

Upon wearing the right shoe, he Upon wearing the right shoe, he recites, recites, Cast down under my foot, Lord Cast down under my foot, Lord

God, all false pride that is exalted against God, all false pride that is exalted against Thy knowledge, and grant that by Thy Thy knowledge, and grant that by Thy help I may bring the lusts of the flesh help I may bring the lusts of the flesh

into subjection, for ever.into subjection, for ever.

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He then puts on the He then puts on the kutinokutino 'alb', a  'alb', a white surplice whose color is an white surplice whose color is an

indication of the priest's purity. The indication of the priest's purity. The priest priest signs the cross over it three timessigns the cross over it three times saying, saying, Clothe me, O Lord, with the robe Clothe me, O Lord, with the robe of incorruption through the strength of of incorruption through the strength of Thy Holy Spirit, and make me worthy to Thy Holy Spirit, and make me worthy to

keep the true faith and walk in the keep the true faith and walk in the paths of purity and righteousness all the paths of purity and righteousness all the

days of my life.days of my life.

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Then he puts on Then he puts on the the hamnikhohamnikho 'necklace,' the stole  'necklace,' the stole which symbolizes the priest being which symbolizes the priest being

armed with the fear of the Lord. He armed with the fear of the Lord. He signs the cross over it twice, signs the cross over it twice,

reciting Psalm 18:39, 40: reciting Psalm 18:39, 40: Gird me Gird me with strength unto the battle and with strength unto the battle and

subdue under me them that rise up subdue under me them that rise up against me, defeat my enemies and against me, defeat my enemies and

silence those who hate me.silence those who hate me.

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Then he puts on the Then he puts on the zenorozenoro 'girdle'  'girdle' which speaks of the priest's control which speaks of the priest's control over all bodily desires. He signs the over all bodily desires. He signs the

cross over it once reciting Psalm cross over it once reciting Psalm 45:3: 45:3: Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, Gird thy sword upon thy thigh,

O thou most mighty with thy O thou most mighty with thy splendor and glory. Thy glory splendor and glory. Thy glory

triumphs.triumphs.

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He then arms himself with He then arms himself with the the zendezende 'sleeves' which symbolize the  'sleeves' which symbolize the

priest's readiness to keep God's Law and priest's readiness to keep God's Law and do works of righteousness. do works of righteousness.

He signs the cross twice over the left He signs the cross twice over the left sleeve and recites Psalm 18:34 while sleeve and recites Psalm 18:34 while

wearing it: wearing it: He trains my hands to war; He trains my hands to war; and he strengthens my arms like a bow of and he strengthens my arms like a bow of

brass.brass.  He then signs the cross once over the He then signs the cross once over the

right sleeve and recites Psalm 18:35 while right sleeve and recites Psalm 18:35 while wearing it: wearing it: Let Thy right hand help me up, Let Thy right hand help me up,

and let Thy loving discipline raise me.and let Thy loving discipline raise me.

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If the celebrant is a prelate, he puts If the celebrant is a prelate, he puts on the on the mamassnaphtonaphto'turban', a head-'turban', a head-cover which symbolizes the cloth cover which symbolizes the cloth with which the Lord's head was with which the Lord's head was

bound for His burial. He makes the bound for His burial. He makes the sign of the cross twice on it and sign of the cross twice on it and

wears it reciting Psalm 4:6-7: wears it reciting Psalm 4:6-7: Who Who can show me He who is good? May can show me He who is good? May the light of Thy countenance shine the light of Thy countenance shine upon us, O Lord, Thou hast given upon us, O Lord, Thou hast given

gladness to my heart.gladness to my heart.

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The priest then puts on the The priest then puts on the phaynophayno, a cope which , a cope which symbolizes Aaron's robe of many colors and the symbolizes Aaron's robe of many colors and the

Savior's seamless robe. Savior's seamless robe. He signs the cross over it thrice reciting Psalm He signs the cross over it thrice reciting Psalm

132:9-10:132:9-10:Let Thy priests be clothed with Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness and Thy righteous with glory. For righteousness and Thy righteous with glory. For Thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face Thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face

of thine anointed.of thine anointed.  Then he puts it on reciting Then he puts it on reciting Psalm 132:9: Psalm 132:9: Clothe Thy priests with salvation Clothe Thy priests with salvation

and Thy saints with glory.and Thy saints with glory.

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If the celebrant is a prelate, he puts If the celebrant is a prelate, he puts on theon thebabattrashilrashil `Pallium' which is  `Pallium' which is

similar to the similar to the HamnikhoHamnikho but extends  but extends both front and back. It reminds the both front and back. It reminds the

prelate of the Cross which the Savior prelate of the Cross which the Savior carried. He crosses it once reciting carried. He crosses it once reciting

Psalm 27:5: Psalm 27:5: In the day of trouble, he In the day of trouble, he protects me in the shadow of his protects me in the shadow of his

tabernacle. He exalts me upon a rock; tabernacle. He exalts me upon a rock; and now he shall lift up my head and now he shall lift up my head

above mine enemies.above mine enemies.

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The Catholicose/Patriarch wears The Catholicose/Patriarch wears the the sakrosakro `shield' attached to  `shield' attached to

the the zenorozenoro on the right side. The  on the right side. The shield of faith symbolizes his shield of faith symbolizes his

authority and his position as the authority and his position as the protector of the faith (Ephesians protector of the faith (Ephesians

6:16 "6:16 ".. above all taking the shield .. above all taking the shield of faith with which you will be able of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the to quench all the fiery darts of the

wicked onewicked one). ). Prelates also wear a Cross and an Prelates also wear a Cross and an icon, usually of the Mother of God, icon, usually of the Mother of God,

around the neck. While wearing around the neck. While wearing the cross he recites Psalm the cross he recites Psalm

34:5: 34:5: Turn your eyes to him and Turn your eyes to him and hope in him and you shall not be hope in him and you shall not be

disappointed.disappointed.

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Then the prelate takes the crosier Then the prelate takes the crosier ((mooroneethomooroneetho) in his left hand, which ) in his left hand, which symbolizes the bishop's authority and symbolizes the bishop's authority and

reminds us of the shepherd's staff, reminds us of the shepherd's staff, reciting Psalm 110:2: reciting Psalm 110:2: The Lord will The Lord will send forth the sceptre of Thy power send forth the sceptre of Thy power out of Zion: thou shalt rule in the out of Zion: thou shalt rule in the

midst of thine enemies.midst of thine enemies. He also takes  He also takes a hand Cross in his right hand, from a hand Cross in his right hand, from

which a cloth which a cloth called called mqablonithomqablonitho 'veil' is hung  'veil' is hung

reciting Psalm 44:5: reciting Psalm 44:5: For Thy cause we For Thy cause we shall combat our enemies and for the shall combat our enemies and for the cause of Thy name we shall trample cause of Thy name we shall trample those who hate us.those who hate us. Upon completing  Upon completing this, the celebrant washes his hands.this, the celebrant washes his hands.

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Deacons: Alter boys : Deacons: Alter boys : Mzamarono Mzamarono

Deacons wear a white Deacons wear a white kutinokutino and an  and an urorouroro 'stole' in various  'stole' in various shapes according to their rank.shapes according to their rank.Singers (Singers (mzamronomzamrono) wear the ) wear the kutinokutino without the  without the urorouroro..

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Readers (Readers (qoruyoqoruyo)) wear the  wear the urorouroro in  in the form of a Cross.the form of a Cross.

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Subdeacons (Subdeacons (apodyaqnoapodyaqno) wear ) wear the the urorouroro folded around the neck. folded around the neck.

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Deacons (Deacons (shamoshoshamosho) wear ) wear the the urorouroro over the left shoulder,  over the left shoulder,

on either side like wings.on either side like wings.

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Archdeacons (Archdeacons (archedyaqnoarchedyaqno) wear ) wear the the urorouroro round the neck. They also  round the neck. They also wear a wear a zenorozenoro and  and zendezende similar to  similar to

priests.priests.

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IIIIIIHow to WorshipHow to Worship

As we enter or leave the temple, As we enter or leave the temple, we should first we should first face the altarface the altar

and and cross ourselves. cross ourselves. Before going to our place, we Before going to our place, we

should venerate the icon of should venerate the icon of our our LordLord, , Saint Mary (Theotokos) &Saint Mary (Theotokos) &

Patron Saint.Patron Saint.

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Stand in Church Stand in Church silently, peacefully, quietlysilently, peacefully, quietly

One thing have I asked of the One thing have I asked of the Lord, this will I seek after: That Lord, this will I seek after: That I may dwell in the house of the I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that Lord all the days of my life, that I may behold the delight of the I may behold the delight of the Lord, and that I may visit His Lord, and that I may visit His

holy templeholy temple  (Psalm 26:4)(Psalm 26:4)..

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In going to church, think that thou In going to church, think that thou art going to the house of the King art going to the house of the King of Heaven, where with of Heaven, where with fearfear and and joyjoy

one ought to stand as in heaven one ought to stand as in heaven before the King of Heaven. before the King of Heaven.

While standing in church, While standing in church, do not do not look around to the sideslook around to the sides and and do do not look at how someone is standing not look at how someone is standing

and prayingand praying

Ask for mercy for thyself from God Ask for mercy for thyself from God

the Judge and Knower of hearts. the Judge and Knower of hearts. 

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It is best to avoid traffic It is best to avoid traffic inin and and outout of the of the church during services.church during services.

Do not enter or leave during a Do not enter or leave during a censingcensing, , the the Scripture readingsScripture readings, or , or the the

sermonsermon; coming and going is especially ; coming and going is especially distracting at these times.distracting at these times.

Being late for services is a common Being late for services is a common

failing among Orthodox of all sorts, but it failing among Orthodox of all sorts, but it is not something we should be proud of.is not something we should be proud of.

Leaving services early without a very Leaving services early without a very good reason is just as bad.good reason is just as bad.

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While in the temple we should try to While in the temple we should try to maintain an attitude of prayer and a maintain an attitude of prayer and a

spirit of humility, like the tax collector of spirit of humility, like the tax collector of the Gospels (Luke 18:10-14).the Gospels (Luke 18:10-14).

Our purpose for coming is to approach Our purpose for coming is to approach our Lord and King in company with our our Lord and King in company with our brothers and sisters; we come together brothers and sisters; we come together

to constitute Gods Church.to constitute Gods Church.

These facts should govern our attitudes These facts should govern our attitudes and behavior.and behavior.

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We should We should avoid avoid conversationconversation in the church in the church even if the service has not even if the service has not

yet begun. yet begun.

We should spend the time We should spend the time before services preparing before services preparing

for worship.for worship.

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We will get more out of the services We will get more out of the services if we pray rather than merely if we pray rather than merely

attend themattend them. .

Allow the hymns to enter your Allow the hymns to enter your heart, and make their words your heart, and make their words your

own.own.

Remember that the services are not Remember that the services are not a time for a time for private prayersprivate prayers but for but for

sharing in the common worship of sharing in the common worship of the Church.the Church.

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Let us remember above all that the Let us remember above all that the temple must be filled with temple must be filled with an attitude of an attitude of

mutual love and respect.mutual love and respect.

We have assembled to share in the We have assembled to share in the Church's worship, to unite with each Church's worship, to unite with each other and our Lord, to anticipate the other and our Lord, to anticipate the joyful time when we are gathered into joyful time when we are gathered into

His Kingdom.His Kingdom.

Our attitude toward one anotherOur attitude toward one another should should reflect that of the Lord, who loves us reflect that of the Lord, who loves us

all and desires nothing more than our all and desires nothing more than our spiritual growth and our salvation.spiritual growth and our salvation.

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Follow the service with your Follow the service with your bodybody as well as well as your as your mindmind..

We should We should cross ourselvescross ourselves at the proper at the proper times (on hearing an invocation of the times (on hearing an invocation of the

TrinityTrinity, and at any prayer or petition , and at any prayer or petition which personally affects you).which personally affects you).

During Great Lent there are times when During Great Lent there are times when

we kneel, follow the priest and altar we kneel, follow the priest and altar servers in this matter. servers in this matter.

Kneeling is not proper on SundaysKneeling is not proper on Sundays, since , since each Sunday is a feast of the each Sunday is a feast of the

Resurrection.Resurrection.

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Those who desire to Commune, Those who desire to Commune, must begin preparation from the must begin preparation from the

previous dayprevious day by at least being by at least being continually conscious of the fact continually conscious of the fact

that that they are preparing to partake they are preparing to partake of the of the Most-precious Body and Most-precious Body and

Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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  During the Lent , we do not During the Lent , we do not partake of partake of meat, eggs, milkmeat, eggs, milk and and fishfish..

It is allowable to lessen the Fast It is allowable to lessen the Fast

only: in the case of only: in the case of severe illnesssevere illness, , for for small childrensmall children, the , the elderlyelderly, for , for those with childthose with child or or feeding an feeding an

infant.infant.

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Ask forgiveness and reconcile yourself Ask forgiveness and reconcile yourself with everyone with whom you have had with everyone with whom you have had an argument, misunderstanding or any an argument, misunderstanding or any

deterioration in relationship. deterioration in relationship.

By taking Communion without full By taking Communion without full reconciliation with everyone we do reconciliation with everyone we do

ourselves great harm.ourselves great harm.

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No one should take No one should take Holy Communion Holy Communion (or even come to (or even come to

Church) with Church) with lipsticklipstick on.on.

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One must approach the One must approach the Mysteries without Mysteries without

having eaten or drunk having eaten or drunk anything from anything from midnight on.midnight on.

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Following Holy Communion Following Holy Communion we piously return home, we piously return home,

retain a prayerful peaceful retain a prayerful peaceful calmcalm, ,

do good works and exert all do good works and exert all our efforts not to return to our efforts not to return to

the sins from which we the sins from which we have been cleansed.have been cleansed.

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IV

How old is the Orthodox Faith?

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If you are a LutheranIf you are a Lutheran,,

your religion was founded by your religion was founded by Martin Luther, an ex -monk Martin Luther, an ex -monk of the Roman Catholic of the Roman Catholic Church, in the year 1517.Church, in the year 1517.

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IIf you belong to the Church of f you belong to the Church of EnglandEngland

  your religion was founded by King your religion was founded by King Henry VIII in the year 1534 because Henry VIII in the year 1534 because the Pope would not grant him a the Pope would not grant him a divorce with the right to remarry.divorce with the right to remarry.

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If you are a PresbyterianIf you are a Presbyterian

your religion was founded by John your religion was founded by John Knox in Knox in Scotland in the year 1560.Scotland in the year 1560.

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If you are a CongregationalistIf you are a Congregationalist

your religion was your religion was originated by originated by Robert Brown in Holland Robert Brown in Holland in 1582 in 1582

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If you are a Protestant Episcopalian

your religion was an offshoot of the Church of England founded

by Samuel Seabury, in the American colonies in the 17th

century

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If you are a BaptistIf you are a Baptist

you owe the tenets of religion you owe the tenets of religion to to

John Smyth, John Smyth, who who 

launched it in Amsterdam in launched it in Amsterdam in 1606.1606.

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If you are of the Dutch If you are of the Dutch Reformed ChurchReformed Church

you recognize Michelis you recognize Michelis Jones as founder because Jones as founder because

he originated your religion he originated your religion in in

New York in 1628.New York in 1628.

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If you are a MethodistIf you are a Methodist

your religion was founded by your religion was founded by John and Charles Wesley in John and Charles Wesley in

England in 1774.England in 1774.

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If you are a Mormon If you are a Mormon 

(Latter Day Saints), Joseph (Latter Day Saints), Joseph Smith started your religion in Smith started your religion in Palmyra, New York in 1829.Palmyra, New York in 1829.

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If you worship with the If you worship with the Salvation ArmySalvation Army

your sect began with William your sect began with William Booth in London in 1865 Booth in London in 1865

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If you are a Christian ScientistIf you are a Christian Scientist

you look to 1879 as the year you look to 1879 as the year in which in which 

your religion was founded by your religion was founded by Mary Baker Eddy.Mary Baker Eddy.

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If you belong to one of the religious sects If you belong to one of the religious sects known as  Church of the known as  Church of the 

Nazarene, Pentecostal Gospel, Holiness Nazarene, Pentecostal Gospel, Holiness Church, or JehovahsChurch, or Jehovahs WitnessesWitnesses

your religion is one of the your religion is one of the hundreds of new sects hundreds of new sects

founded by men within the founded by men within the past hundred years.past hundred years.

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If you are a Roman CatholicIf you are a Roman Catholic

  your church shared the same rich apostolic your church shared the same rich apostolic and doctrinal heritage as the Orthodox and doctrinal heritage as the Orthodox

Church for the first thousand Church for the first thousand years of its history since during the first years of its history since during the first

millennium they were one and millennium they were one and the same Church. the same Church.

Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome Lamentably, in 1054, the Pope of Rome broke way from the other four Apostolic broke way from the other four Apostolic

Sees (Patriarchates), by tampering with the Sees (Patriarchates), by tampering with the original original 

Creed of the Church, and considering Creed of the Church, and considering himself to be the universal pastor himself to be the universal pastor 

over other Sees and infallible. over other Sees and infallible.

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If you are a Unite Roman If you are a Unite Roman Catholic of any Eastern RitesCatholic of any Eastern Rites   you had your roots in the Orthodox you had your roots in the Orthodox

Church, but were forced into the Church, but were forced into the Roman Catholic Church, either by Roman Catholic Church, either by

financial hardship, or regional financial hardship, or regional political/ political/ 

ecclesiastical unrest (e.g.: Malankara ecclesiastical unrest (e.g.: Malankara Syrian Catholics), or by western Syrian Catholics), or by western 

colonialization (e.g.: Syro-Malabar colonialization (e.g.: Syro-Malabar Rite), or by military strength.Rite), or by military strength.

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If you are an Orthodox If you are an Orthodox ChristianChristian

you religion was founded in the year 33 you religion was founded in the year 33 by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It has by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It has not changed since that time. not changed since that time.

Our Church is now almost 2000 years Our Church is now almost 2000 years old. And it is for this reason, old. And it is for this reason, that Orthodoxy, the Church of the that Orthodoxy, the Church of the Apostles and the Fathers is considered Apostles and the Fathers is considered the true One, Holy, Catholic, and the true One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.Apostolic Church.

This is the greatest legacy we can pass This is the greatest legacy we can pass on to the young people of the on to the young people of the new millennium!new millennium!

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The Orthodox ChurchThe Orthodox Church

The Orthodox Church was The Orthodox Church was founded by our Lord Jesus Christ founded by our Lord Jesus Christ and is the living manifestation of and is the living manifestation of His presence in the history of the His presence in the history of the mankind. The most conspicuous mankind. The most conspicuous characteristics of Orthodoxy are characteristics of Orthodoxy are

its its rich liturgical liferich liturgical life and  and its its faithfulness to the apostolic faithfulness to the apostolic

tradition. tradition. 

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Thank YouThank You& &

God Bless You God Bless You www.orthodoxtv.inwww.orthodoxtv.in