Sunday Services:
Orthros: 10:30 AM
Divine Liturgy: 11:00 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.
