Worship and Sacraments

An introduction to Orthodox Christian worship and an explanation of the Church building. Introduction Orthodox Christian liturgy (the worship of God) is patterned after theheavenlyliturgy, i.e. the worship that goes on continually in the kingdom of heaven. By Christ’s incarnation, death, and resu

Church  Etiquette The Holy Orthodox Church is perhaps one of the last social institutions where dignity, protocol, respect, and reverence are maintained. This is primarily because when we come to the church and its services we are entering the Kingdom of God on earth, His habitation, and we choose

Gordon Atkinson, pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in San Antonio, TX Mon, 06/01/2009 - 16:48 Last Sunday was the 4th of 13 in my sabbatical time. Each of them is precious to me. Each week I am choosing a place and a way to worship. I’m not a church tourist, hoping to see new things. I’m seeking

The following is a response to an sentiment that is often heard in our day. Statement: “Form of worship is not important, just our desire for God’s presence.” Response: Forgive me my friend, but I am concerned that this statement is misleading.  No question that love and desire for the Lord’s pr

Note: Clergy are not personally looking to be "honored" or looking to see if you honor them properly. The honor given to the Priest is honor given to the Church and to Christ. Appropriate clergy etiquette is not primarily for the priest, but for us, so that we might maintain a proper understandin

Part 2, Faith and Worship:  http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/history_timothy_ware_2.htm

Nobody would dispute that the most important day in a person’s life, after his birth and baptism, is that of his marriage. It is no surprise, then, that the aim of contemporary worldly and institutional upheavals is precisely to crush the most honorable and sacred mystery of marriage. For many peop

Preparing the Heart The time spent prior to attending Church Services will have an effect on your ability to experience God’s presence through the Liturgy or prayers of the Church.  Whenever possible, one should begin to quiet one’s heart in preparation for arrival at Church.  This is particularly

Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday: Great Lent technically ends on Friday evening when we serve Small Compline with the Canon of St. Lazarus in preparation for Lazarus Saturday. While maintaining the Fast we move into a different mode, that of Holy Week. The Saturday Divine Liturgy is a very festal

MARCH 7, 2014 BY FR.MICHAELFrom: http://www.stvladimiraami.org/faqs.shtml#w-servicesWith some additions and edits by Fr. Michael Shanbour Q:  Is it necessary to attend weekday services, or is Sunday morning sufficient? A:  This is a difficult subject. Our society and media often present Christiani