In everyone's life Orthodox man sometimes there is a need to come to church. The reasons for this can be completely different: sometimes a person enters a large, famous temple out of curiosity, or does he, although rarely, come to church out of curiosity? big holidays, such as Christmas or Easter, but some have a sincere desire to regularly attend services, that is, to become a churched, full-fledged and equal member of the Orthodox Church. The churching of every person begins not only with attending services, but also with knowledge and observance of certain church rules, which must be fulfilled in order to consciously fulfill the requirements of the church charter, ongoing services and prayers, and most importantly, so that by your behavior you do not offend the feelings of deeply believing and praying parishioners. When newcomers first appear in the church, they can be identified by their confused look, frequently asked questions, and sometimes deviations from established church rules. Or women will come without a headscarf, in trousers, light a candle at the wrong time, and even pectoral cross they will forget at home. And then the all-knowing grandmothers, who undoubtedly exist in any temple, attack them with condemnation. Sincerely wanting to follow church canons and rules, they mercilessly, albeit in a whisper, scold such newcomers. It can be very sad to watch how poor newcomers, quite embarrassed, leave the church, and perhaps forever, leaving a negative attitude not only towards this church, but also towards Orthodoxy in general. It becomes sad to look at such a picture. After all, the completely normal impulse of the human soul to join the religion of its ancestors - Orthodoxy, the need to communicate with God were severely interrupted due to some elementary violations of the rules of behavior in the temple.

Before the service starts

Approaching the temple, pious Christians, looking at the holy crosses and domes of the church, make the sign of the cross three times and bow from the waist. On the way to the temple, you do not need to be distracted by worldly conversations with your companions, but read the prayer: “I am going to Your house, I will worship Your holy temple, with reverence for You.” If you don’t know it, you should repeat the publican’s prayer: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Rising to the porch, before entering the doors, they again make the sign of themselves three times sign of the cross with a bow. You should stop at the door of the temple and make three bows from the waist with prayers:

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
“He who created me, O Lord, have mercy on me.”
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for prayers
Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen."

But you can read “Our Father.” If you don’t know this prayer, you can simply cross yourself and say: “Lord, have mercy.”

When entering the porch, you must cross yourself again. This is where you leave all thoughts about extraneous topics and focus on spiritual things.

But at the same time, you should not pray for a long time and for show while standing on the street.

Before entering the temple, turn off mobile phone so as not to disturb the spiritual atmosphere of the temple with the sounds of bells. Moreover, it is unacceptable to talk on the phone in church.

When you go to the temple of God, prepare money at home for candles, prosphora and church fees. It is inconvenient to change them when buying candles, because this interferes with both the Divine service and those praying.

On our sinful land, the Holy Temple is the only place where we can take refuge from the storms and bad weather of life, from everyday moral dirt. The temple is like heaven on earth. In the temple, “invisibly the powers of heaven serve with us.” Remember and know the Holy Temple is the house of God, in which God Himself invisibly dwells, and therefore our behavior in the temple must correspond to its holiness and greatness. It is necessary to enter the Holy Temple with humility and meekness in order to leave the Temple justified, like the humble Evangelical tax collector.

When you enter the Temple and see the Holy Icons, think that the Lord Himself and all the Saints are looking at you, so be especially reverent at this time and have the fear of God. What is meant here is not fear itself, but the deepest respect and love for the Lord.

Parishioners are summoned to the service by the ringing of bells 15 minutes before it begins. Therefore, by arriving early, you will have time to purchase church books, icons, candles, crosses, talk with the clergyman, submit notes, buy and put candles and venerate the icons. All this can be done only before the start of the service or after it. Only candles can be purchased during the service. By the way, do not try to light candles to all the icons at once in one visit, so that your walking around the temple does not distract other parishioners from their prayers. Better visit the church again. For the same reason, it is undesirable to ask those in front to pass a candle to place in front of the icon. Wait until the end of the service and place the candle yourself where you want.

Arriving at the temple, you need to venerate the main holiday icon, which is located opposite the Royal Doors in front of the salt. To do this, you need to cross yourself three times, and then kiss the corner of the icon or the edge of the clothing of the depicted image, cross yourself again and quietly move away without disturbing the others. Waist bows are also performed in front of the icons of the Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Mother of God and saints (if the service has not started at this time). All this must be done in advance so as not to interfere with prayer during the service.

Women are not allowed to kiss icons with painted lips. During the service, many people will venerate the icon, so what will it look like at the end of the service if women smack it with their painted lips? It should also be remembered that when kissing an icon, we are not kissing the board with paint on it, but through a kiss we are addressing our love and respect to the image depicted on it.

Before the start of the service, you can also light several candles for health or repose. It doesn’t matter with which hand you do it, you just need to do it with sincere prayer for the one for whom you light this candle. A candle is a sacrifice to God, and it burns without a trace only for His sake.

You are not supposed to pass between the Royal Doors and the lectern, but if you pass in front of the lectern, make a small bow, making the sign of the cross. When we are in the temple of God, let us remember that we are in the presence of the Lord God, Mother of God, Angels and saints. Be afraid, wittingly or unwittingly, to offend with your behavior those praying and those shrines that surround us in the temple of God. When choosing a place for prayer in a church, you need to take into account that some elderly parishioners who constantly visit this church and usually stand in the same place begin to consider this place “theirs.” If you accidentally stand in “someone’s” place and are asked to vacate him, do not argue and quietly move to another place—do not disturb your prayerful mood with an argument.

Anyone who is late for the start of the service should enter quietly, not disturb other parishioners, and take a seat. free place, closest to the exit, being careful not to block the passage.

When you see acquaintances in the temple, a silent bow as a sign of greeting or a quiet greeting is enough. Kissing, hugging, shaking hands, talking loudly is not worth it. Do not shake hands in the Temple and do not ask about anything; be truly modest in the Holy Temple.

You are not supposed to hold hands in church. It is strictly forbidden to laugh, chew, keep your hands in your pockets and talk loudly. You are not allowed to take photographs or use mobile phones. It is better to turn them off before entering the temple.

It is forbidden to sit in an Orthodox church, the only exception being the parishioner’s ill health or severe fatigue.

When coming to church with children, you need to make sure that they behave quietly. If Small child bursts into tears in the temple, his mother must immediately take him out. Children should never be allowed to eat anything in the temple other than blessed bread and prosphora (and care must be taken that the child does not lose crumbs of these holy items).

In a temple, it is indecent to show curiosity and look at others. It is unacceptable to condemn and ridicule the involuntary mistakes of employees or those present in the temple. It is forbidden to talk during the service.

It is customary to perform divine services in the temple 3 times. If you get to church at a time when there is no service, then you can stand quietly and pray, light candles. If you decide to attend the liturgy (daytime service), then remember that you need to arrive in advance, about 10-15 minutes before the start. In different churches, worship begins at different time, so inquire in advance. During worship there are many people praying in the church, and there is no need to disturb them. Try to find a place that is convenient for you, where you can clearly see and hear everything. And this is not without common sense: a simple unchurched person will not immediately understand what is happening, he will not even understand what is being said and sung (because the service takes place in Church Slavonic), so it makes sense to at least see what is happening.

During the service

When coming to church to pray, it is better to leave everyday matters at home. On average, the service lasts 2-3 hours; if you are not used to it, it is difficult to spend so much time on your feet, so if you are tired, you can sit on the benches that stand in the vestibule or inside the temple. You can’t sit with the Royal Doors open; even if weak, sick old women get up, let alone the young and strong. You also cannot turn your back to the altar; of course, this does not oblige you to back away like a lob when leaving, but you should not demonstratively turn your back to the altar during the service. If for some reason you cannot stay in the church until the end of the service, then you need to quietly leave, crossing yourself at the exit and in front of the church itself.

In church, pray as one participating in the Divine service, and not just present, so that the prayers and chants that are read and sung come from your heart. Follow the service carefully so that you can pray for exactly what the whole Church is praying for. Make the sign of the cross and bow at the same time as everyone else. For example, during the Divine service it is customary to be baptized during the praises of the Holy Trinity and Jesus, during the litanies - to any exclamation “Lord, have mercy” and “Give, Lord,” as well as at the beginning and at the end of any prayer. You need to cross yourself and bow before approaching the icon or lighting a candle, and when leaving the temple. You cannot hastily and inattentively sign yourself with the sign of the cross, because at the same time we are appealing to the Lord’s love and grace.

They prepare for Communion by prayer and fasting, abstaining from various entertainments and pleasures (the duration of preparation is determined by the blessing of the priest). Those preparing for Communion read the canons and rules for Holy Communion according to the prayer book, which for beginners is better not to do on the last day, but to distribute the reading of these prayers over all days of preparation for Communion. Before Communion, you cannot eat or drink anything, starting from twelve o’clock at night. An exception is made for those who need to eat or drink something as prescribed by a doctor.

Before Holy Communion, it is necessary to make peace with your neighbors, to be the first to ask forgiveness for sins, voluntary and involuntary.

One approaches Holy Communion after repentance of sins in confession and the priest’s prayer of permission. Only children under seven years of age are allowed to receive communion without confession. Approach Holy Communion humbly and reverently, one at a time, without jostling, with your arms crossed over your chest (right to left). With the fear of God, partake of the Holy Mysteries. Without crossing yourself, so as not to accidentally push, kiss the cup, and silently move away to the table with a drink. Participants listen thanksgiving prayers after Holy Communion in church or read them at home according to the prayer book. At the end of the Liturgy, come and venerate the Cross, which the priest gives to the believers to kiss. When leaving the Temple, cross yourself reverently.

Don't miss Sunday and holiday services in the church. Teach your children to go to the Temple, teach them to pray and behave reverently in the Temple.

After all, the Monk Barsanuphius of Optina said: “A sure sign of the death of the soul is evasion from church services. A person who grows cold towards God, first of all, begins to avoid going to church, first tries to come to the service later, and then completely stops visiting the Temple of God.”

Church notes

During the Divine Liturgy, the main Christian service, Orthodox Christians submit notes about the health of their living relatives and, separately, about the repose of the dead. Notes are given before the start of the service, usually in the same place where candles are bought.

If you want the memorial note you submitted to the altar to be read carefully and slowly, remember the rules:

1. Write in clear, understandable handwriting, preferably in block letters, trying to mention no more than 10 names in one note.
2. Title it “about health” or “about repose.”
3. Write names in the genitive case (the question “who”?).
4. Use the full form of the name, even if you are remembering children (for example, not Seryozha, but Sergius).
5. Find out the church spelling of secular names (for example, not Polina, but Pelageya; not Artyom, but Artemy; not Yuri, but Georgiy; not Svetlana, but Fotigna).
6. Both men and women can be named by names such as Evgeny, Alexander, so you need to indicate the gender of the person being remembered next to the name.
7. Before the names of the clergy, indicate their rank, in full or in an understandable abbreviation (for example, Priest Peter, Archbishop Nikon).
8. A child under 7 years of age is called a baby, from 7 to 15 years of age is called an adolescent.
9. There is no need to indicate the last names, patronymics, titles, professions of those mentioned and their degree of relationship in relation to you.
10. It is allowed to include in the note the words “warrior”, “monk”, “nun”, “sick”, “travelling”, “prisoner”.
11. On the contrary, there is no need to write “lost”, “suffering”, “embarrassed”, “student”, “grieving”, “maiden”, “widow”, “pregnant”.
12. In the funeral notes, mark the “newly deceased” (deceased within 40 days of death), “ever memorable” (deceased who have memorable dates on this day), “killed.”

For those whom the Church has glorified as saints (for example, Blessed Xenia, Saint and righteous John Kronstadtsky), there is no need to pray anymore, because... By canonizing them as saints, the Church implies that they are already in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Those who have health are remembered christian names, not even baptized, but about repose - only those baptized in the Orthodox Church.

Notes can be submitted at the liturgy:

For proskomedia - the first part of the liturgy, when for each name indicated in the note, particles are taken out of special prosphoras, which are subsequently dipped into the Blood of Christ with a prayer for the forgiveness of the sins of those commemorated;

At mass - this is what people call the liturgy in general, and the commemoration of it in particular. Usually such notes are read by clergy and clergy before the Holy See;

At the litany there is a commemoration for all to hear. It is usually performed by a deacon. At the end of the liturgy, these notes are commemorated a second time in many churches, at services. You can also submit a note for a prayer service or memorial service.

Sign of the Cross

It is necessary to be baptized slowly, joining together the first three fingers of the right hand, and the remaining two (a symbol of the two natures, the Divine and human of Jesus Christ) - folded and pressed to the palm. Folded this way right hand you should successively touch the forehead (to sanctify the mind), then the womb of the belly (to sanctify the feelings), the right and left shoulders (to sanctify the bodily forces) and bow. Why? We depicted a cross on ourselves, now we worship it.

When in church people are blessed with a cross or the Gospel, an image or a Chalice, then everyone puts the sign of the cross on themselves, bowing their heads.

You only need to bow your head without crossing yourself when the bishop overshadows those praying with candles (dikirium or trikirium), or when the priest blesses with his hand, consecrating us with the power of God’s grace, and also when they burn incense to those who are coming.

Only on Holy Week of Easter, when a priest censes with a cross in his hand, exclaiming: “Christ is risen!” - everyone makes the sign of the cross and exclaims: “Truly he is risen!”

We must make the sign of the cross and worship before a shrine (cross, Gospel, icon, Chalice with the Holy Mysteries) or when pronouncing the Easter greeting.

During the Divine service, it is customary to be baptized during the praises of the Holy Trinity and Jesus Christ, during the litanies - to any exclamation “Lord, have mercy” and “Give, Lord,” as well as at the beginning and end of any prayer. You need to cross yourself and bow before approaching the icon or lighting a candle, and when leaving the Temple.

The sign of the cross gives us great power to drive away and defeat evil and do good, but we must remember that the cross must be laid correctly and slowly, because at the same time we appeal to the Lord's Love and grace, otherwise there will not be an image of the cross, but a simple waving of the hand, what only demons rejoice at. By carelessly performing the sign of the cross, we show our disrespect for God - we sin, this sin is called blasphemy.

When we are baptized not during prayer, then mentally, to ourselves, we say: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen,” thereby expressing our faith in Holy Trinity and our desire to live and work for the glory of God. The word “amen” means: truly, truly, so be it.

Blessing

Every believer considers it obligatory to ask for a blessing when meeting with a priest or bishop, but many do this incorrectly. Of course, there are no strict canons on this issue, but the traditions of the Church and simple common sense tell us how to behave.

Blessing has many meanings. The first of these is greeting. When meeting and saying goodbye to a priest, it is not customary to say hello or goodbye, but they say: “Bless.” The blessing is received from a priest or bishop (bishop), but not from a deacon (they can be easily distinguished by their attire).

Only someone equal in rank has the right to shake hands with a priest; everyone else, even deacons, receive a blessing from him when they meet the priest. To do this, you need to put your palms together, the right one on top of the left, in order to receive the blessing hand in them and kiss the right hand (right hand) of the blessing as a sign of respect for the sacred office. And for nothing more! The folding of the palms has no mysterious meaning. There is no need to be baptized. Greeting is only one meaning of blessing, the second is permission, permission, parting words.

• ♦ Father, bless me to go on vacation.
• ♦ Father, bless me to pass the exams.
• ♦ Father, bless me to begin the fast.

You can be blessed by a priest not only when he is in church clothes, but also in civilian clothes; not only in the temple, but also on the street, in public place. However, you should not approach an unveiled priest who does not know you for a blessing outside the church.

In the same way, every layman says goodbye to a priest. If several priests are standing nearby, and you want to be blessed by everyone, then first you need to approach the senior one.

Second meaning priestly blessing- this is permission, permission, parting words. Before starting any responsible business, before traveling, as well as in any difficult circumstances, we can ask the priest for advice and blessings and kiss his hand.

Finally, there are blessings during the church service. The priest, saying: “Peace to all,” “The blessing of the Lord is upon you...”, “The grace of our Lord...”, makes the sign of the cross over the worshipers. In response, we humbly bow our heads without folding our hands—after all, it is impossible to kiss the blessing right hand.

If the priest overshadows us with sacred objects: the Cross, the Gospel, the Chalice, the icon, we first cross ourselves and then bow.

You should not approach the blessing at an inopportune moment: when the priest is giving communion, censing the temple, anointing with oil. But you can do this at the end of confession and at the end of the liturgy, while kissing the Cross. You should not abuse the blessing by approaching the same priest several times a day. The words “bless, father” should always sound joyful and solemn to a layman, and they should not be turned into a saying.

Candle

A person who crosses the threshold of the temple, as a rule, approaches the candle box. Our practical Christianity and initiation into the ritual begins with a small wax candle. After all, it is impossible to imagine an Orthodox church without lit candles.

The candles are lit one from the other and placed in the socket of the candlestick. The candle must stand strictly straight. If on the day of a great holiday a minister extinguishes your candle in order to light the candle of another, do not be disturbed in spirit: your sacrifice has already been accepted by the All-Seeing and All-Knowing Lord. You can light a candle with either hand. But only the right one needs to be baptized.

The interpreter of the liturgy, Blessed Simeon of Thessaloniki (XV century), says that pure wax means the purity and innocence of the people bringing it. It is offered as a sign of our repentance for perseverance and self-will. The softness and pliability of wax speaks of our willingness to obey God. The burning of a candle means the deification of a person, his transformation into a new creature through the action of the fire of Divine love.

In addition, a candle is a testimony of faith, a person’s involvement in the Divine light. It expresses the flame of our love for the Lord, the Mother of God, angels or saints. You cannot light a candle formally, with a cold heart. External action must be complemented by prayer, even the simplest one, in your own words.

A lit candle is present at many church services. It is held in the hands of those newly baptized and those united in the sacrament of marriage. Among many burning candles, the funeral service is performed. Covering the candle flame from the wind, the pilgrims go to procession.

There are no mandatory rules about where and how many candles to place. Their purchase is a small sacrifice to God, voluntary and not burdensome. An expensive large candle is not at all more beneficial than a small one. Candles should only be purchased from the temple where you came to pray.

Those who regularly visit the temple try to light several candles each time: to the festive icon lying on the lectern in the middle of the church; to the image of the Savior or the Mother of God - about the health of your loved ones; to the Crucifixion on a rectangular table-candlestick (eve) - about the repose of the departed. If your heart desires, you can light a candle to any saint or saints.

Sometimes it happens that there is no free space in the candlestick in front of the icon; everyone is occupied by burning candles. Then you shouldn’t put out another candle for the sake of your own; it’s more appropriate to ask the minister to light it at a good time. And don’t be embarrassed that your half-burnt candle was extinguished at the end of the service - the sacrifice has already been accepted by God.

There is no need to listen to talk about how you should light a candle only with your right hand; that if it goes out it means there will be misfortunes; that melting the lower end of the candle for stability in the hole is a mortal sin, etc. There are many superstitions around the church, and they are all meaningless.

God pleases wax candle. But He values ​​the burning of the heart more. Our spiritual life and participation in worship are not limited to a candle. By itself, it will not free you from sins, will not unite you with God, will not give you strength for invisible warfare. The candle is full symbolic meaning, but it is not a symbol that saves us, but the true essence - Divine grace.

Cloth

Believers come to the temple in attire appropriate to their gender. What is acceptable to wear on the street or on the beach is completely unacceptable in church. Under no circumstances should you come to worship services in this form. Immodest clothing disrupts the splendor of the temple environment. A temple is not only a house of prayer, but also a place of God’s special presence. When coming to Church, we should remember Who we are coming to and Who is looking at us. A person who carefully monitors the state of his soul will definitely notice that his behavior, thoughts, and wishes also depend on his clothes. Formal clothing obliges you to do a lot.

Women should dress decently and modestly in church. Calm, dark colors are preferred, flashy ones are unacceptable. You cannot wear a miniskirt, shorts, a transparent blouse, clothes with a deep neckline, or too open tops and T-shirts to church.

It is customary for women to be in the temple with a covering (this can be a headscarf, scarf or just an outer headdress), a skirt below the knees and a long-sleeved jacket. Only virgins can come to church with their heads uncovered - keep this in mind. You should not use cosmetics. Lipstick on the lips is especially unacceptable. When receiving Holy Communion, it is unacceptable to venerate shrines, icons or crosses with painted lips.

At communion and confession, a woman must wear a skirt, and if she doesn’t have one, then in many churches you can rent a headscarf and a skirt with strings to wear directly over a miniskirt or jeans.

Perfume should be applied very carefully or not at all, as it can become stuffy during church services. Therefore, deodorant will be quite sufficient, and only provided that it does not have a strong odor.

It is highly undesirable to come to the temple with makeup. At the very least, make sure it is as inconspicuous as possible.

Men are required to remove their hats before entering the temple. You cannot appear in church in T-shirts, shorts, or untidy sportswear. Clothing should cover the body as much as possible. During Holy Week and days of mourning wear clothes dark colors, and on solemn religious holidays they come to the temple in light clothes.

You cannot come to church wearing clothes decorated with non-Christian symbols.

Other church rules

The main thing is the mutual love of the parishioners and understanding of the content of the service. If we enter the Temple of God with reverence, if, standing in the Church, we think that we are in heaven, then the Lord will fulfill all our requests.

It’s good if there is a place in the Temple where you are used to standing. Walk towards him quietly and modestly, without fuss, and when you get up, make three bows. If there is no such place yet, do not be embarrassed. Without disturbing others, try to stand so that you can hear the singing and reading. If this is not possible, stand in an empty place and pray carefully within yourself.

If you are late, be careful not to disturb the prayers of others. When entering the Temple during the reading of the Six Psalms, the Gospel, or after the Cherubic Liturgy (when the transubstantiation of the Holy Gifts takes place), stand by entrance doors until the end of these critical parts of the service.

An ancient church custom states that if there is a service, men stand on the right side, women on the left, clearing the central aisle.

When the clergyman censes the Temple, you need to step aside so as not to disturb him, and while censing the people, bow your head slightly.

In the Temple, pray as a participant in the Divine service, and not just as someone present. It is necessary that the prayers and chants that are read and sung come from your heart. Follow the service carefully so that you can pray for exactly what the whole Church is praying for. Make the sign of the cross and bow at the same time as everyone else.

In addition, to this day in many churches one can observe the pious rule when women let men pass ahead during anointing, communion, and application to the holiday icon and to the Cross. And children or parents with children are allowed in at all churches.

If you come with children, make sure that they behave modestly and do not make noise, teach them to pray. If children need to leave, tell them to cross themselves and quietly leave, or take them out yourself.

If a small child bursts into tears in the Temple, immediately take him out or carry him out.

Until the end of the service, never, unless absolutely necessary, leave the Temple, for this is a sin before God.

Never allow a child to eat in the Temple except when the priests are distributing the blessed bread. Parents sometimes give a whole prosphora even to very young children, who crumble it all over the floor. People walk on these crumbs and unwittingly trample the sacred bread. Isn’t it better for parents to give their children a piece of prosphora themselves and make sure they don’t crumble it? Sometimes children come to church with chewing gum in their mouths. This is completely unacceptable.

Only the clergyman and the male person whom he blesses can enter the altar.

Every church has a fundraiser. You can participate in this if you wish. You can donate not only money, but also food, dishes, fabric, candles, etc. This can also be a fee for carrying out rituals - weddings, baptisms, funerals, commemorations.

When you are in the Temple, do not condemn or ridicule the involuntary mistakes of those serving or present in the Temple; It is more useful and better to delve into your own mistakes and shortcomings and earnestly ask the Lord for the forgiveness of your sins.

You need to reprimand a neighbor who has violated the rules of good behavior quietly and delicately. It is better to refrain from making comments altogether, unless, of course, there is an insolent, hooligan action. After participating in a temple service, try to maintain a reverent state at home: be courteous to your parents and kind to your children. Free time dedicate to works of mercy or reading spiritual literature. This especially applies to those who have received the Holy Mysteries of Christ. These rules of pious behavior in church are not difficult for those who participate in church services every Sunday and on holidays.

And finally, probably the most important advice: during the service, do what everyone else is doing. If believers are baptized, be baptized with them; if they bow, bow too. Each bow or sign of the cross is made in response to some words or actions of the clergy. And believe me, most of those present in the temple do not know why they cross themselves and bow at this particular moment and not at another. But behind every action there is a deep tradition that has developed over centuries. And you should not violate them, trying to show your liberality or independence from the rules. After all, we enter the church to pray, but this will not bring us truth and benefit if we enter the temple without humility.

One should not condemn or reprimand a newcomer who does not know the church rules. It is better to help him with polite and kind advice. A reprimand can only be made to someone who grossly violates piety by interfering with common prayer.

Your correct behavior in an Orthodox church is not only an indicator of your upbringing, but also a demonstration that you respect Orthodox traditions and rituals. At the same time, maintain silence, behave modestly, and do not disturb believers and other visitors. Therefore, before visiting Orthodox church Be sure to read the rules of conduct there; this will save you from embarrassment and those around you from inconvenience.

At the end of the service

The service is over. Everyone who submitted notes can again go to the candle box and receive prosphora - white wheat bread baked with yeast, with the addition of holy water. Prosphora is a Greek word, it means “offering”... It was the custom of the first Christians to bring bread from home to perform the sacrament of Communion. Now prosphora is baked in bakeries at churches. During the Liturgy, particles are taken out of the prosphora in memory of those whom we commemorate in our notes, and after the particles are taken out, the prosphora is returned to us. This is holy bread and should be eaten on an empty stomach, with holy water and prayer.

Here is the text of such a prayer: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift be: prosphora and Your holy water for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of passions and my infirmities according to Your boundless mercy, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen".

After the morning service, prayer services are held in churches. What is a prayer service? Short prayer about our specific needs. “Short and hot,” he taught us Reverend Ambrose Optinsky. Just at the prayer service we’ll pray... Are you sick? Let us pray for the sick. Have something important to do? Let's ask for God's help. Are we heading out? There is a farewell prayer. You can order a prayer service at the same candle box where we bought candles and left notes. You just need to indicate the name of the person for whom the prayer service is being performed. There is such a practice: they order a prayer service and go home. Of course, it is better to stay and pray with the priest.

There are also prayer services and public ones. The church prays during bad weather or during drought, there is a New Year's prayer service, there is a prayer service for unclean spirits, and there is a prayer service for the disease of drunkenness. But we especially need to remember thanksgiving prayers. The Lord helped, choose a time, come to the temple, serve a prayer service, give thanks. It’s not a bad idea to teach children: I passed the exam at school, let’s go and order a prayer service, for example, St. Sergius Radonezhsky, he helps us in teaching...

The day we were in the temple was not a day wasted. We remember our relatives and friends, we participate in divine services, we pray for those who feel bad, and we give thanks for God’s mercy. We learn to humble ourselves and be better, we learn to repent and rejoice, endure and rejoice. And there is no need to look around in confusion, be embarrassed and, even more so, angry if you suddenly did something wrong and got “wrong” beyond measure for it.

How to deal with beggars

Orthodox canons provide for the giving of alms to the beggars sitting at the entrance to the church.

When doing good to one's neighbor, everyone must remember that the Lord will not abandon him. “Do you think that the one who feeds Christ (that is, the poor), wrote St. Augustine, “will not be fed by Christ?” After all, in the eyes of the Lord, because of our sins, perhaps we look more terrible and insignificant than all these unfortunate people living on alms.

But at the same time, if you see that there are beggars in front of you, spending all their money on drinking, give them not money, but food: an apple, cookies, bread, etc.

You should not tempt yourself with the thought that the poor “earn” no less than us, and sometimes are dressed no worse. Everyone will be asked first of all for their deeds. Your job in this case is to show mercy.

It is in relation to us, who can see Christ Himself in the asking brother, that the words of the Savior spoken by him at His Last Judgment apply: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom... I was hungry, and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you accepted Me; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me... truly I say to you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did it to Me.”

Perhaps all people want to be happy and joyful, get rid of laziness and sadness, and protect their loved ones from adversity. All this can be achieved by participating in the life of the Orthodox Church. Faith in the heart alone is not enough for Orthodox Christians - one must regularly attend Divine Services and participate in the Sacraments of Repentance and the Eucharist. And then, no matter what external conditions life - in any situation a person will be able to maintain a joyful and calm state of mind. And you can begin the path to such a worldview by attending Divine services.

Daily services, schedule

The daily cycle of services of the Orthodox Church consists of nine services.

In ancient times, in monastic and hermit life, they were performed each separately, strictly according to time. But over time, they were combined into evening, morning and afternoon services to make it more convenient for believers to attend services. Just as in the Bible the Lord began the creation of the world in the evening, also approximately from the time the sun set over the horizon, the day begins in the Orthodox Church.

Evening service:

• Ninth hour (3 p.m.)
• Vespers
• Compline

Morning worship:

• Midnight Office (midnight)
• Matins
• First hour (7 am)

Afternoon service:

• Third hour (9 am)
• Sixth hour (12 days)
• Liturgy

Scheme of the daily cycle of Orthodox worship

According to the Byzantine calculation of time, a day consists of 12 day and 12 night hours, which are grouped into 8 watches, also day and night. Since in the summer the night hours are shorter than the day hours, and in the winter - vice versa, the schedule shown in the diagram is correct only during the spring and autumn equinoxes.

The daily cycle of worship - its meaning and content

The ninth hour is a memory of the most important event - the death of the Savior on the Cross.
Vespers is gratitude to the Lord for almost the past day.

At Compline, believers ask God for forgiveness of sins, protection from the devil’s wiles, and the granting of peace to soul and body during sleep.
The Midnight Office is the believers' remembrance of Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. The symbolism of the service calls on everyone to always be ready for the onset of the Last Judgment.
Matins is gratitude to the Lord for the past night and prayer for the coming one.
The first hour is prayers for the day that has already begun.
The third hour is a remembrance of the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles.
The sixth hour is a memory of the Savior’s crucifixion.

Liturgy is the most important service, a remembrance of the entire period of Jesus Christ’s stay on earth. It is at the Liturgy that Communion is celebrated - the Sacrament established at the Last Supper by Jesus Christ himself.

Annual weekly and daily cycle of worship

The order of services of the Orthodox Church throughout the year is called the annual circle of worship. All days, without exception, are dedicated to the memory of one of the Saints, fasts or holidays.
Among all the holidays, the greatest is Holy Easter.

There are also 12 great (twelfth) holidays in honor of the Savior and the Mother of God, as well as celebrations in honor of saints and angels. The great ones are always accompanied by a special service - the All-Night Vigil.
Holidays can be fixed or moving (calculated from the day of Easter).
Weekly circle - the order of church services during the week. All days are dedicated to particularly revered saints or biblical events.
Resurrection - a memory of the Resurrection of the Savior.
Monday is dedicated to angels.
Tuesday is a remembrance of John the Baptist and other prophets.
Wednesday and Friday - fast days, they recall the Savior's suffering on the Cross.
Wednesday is also dedicated to the Mother of God.
Thursday is the day of remembrance of the apostles and saints.
On Saturday, the apostles are also remembered, as well as martyrs, forefathers, prophets, the righteous, the saints and all the saints. All deceased Orthodox Christians are also commemorated.
The daily circle is nine consecutive Divine Services. This includes Vespers and Matins, Compline and Midnight Office, the hours (first, third, sixth, ninth), as well as the Liturgy.

Is the Liturgy included in the daily cycle of worship?

The Divine Liturgy ends the daily cycle of worship.

Church service Liturgy, brief essence with explanations

The main thing that happens at the Liturgy is the transformation of ordinary bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, as well as the Eucharist - the Communion of the faithful.
The service begins with the preparation of the items necessary for the Sacrament of Communion, then preparation for the Sacrament and Communion itself take place. Conventionally, the Divine Liturgy consists of three parts:

1. Proskomedia. It requires five prosphoras (this is special bread for the liturgy). They symbolize the five loaves with which Jesus fed 5 thousand people. Symbolic particles are taken out of each, and the priest asks the Lord to bless them.

Also, wine mixed with water is poured into the cup as a symbol of the fact that blood and water poured out from the wounds of Jesus Christ.

2. Liturgy of the Catechumens. Baptized believers, as well as only those undergoing the process of preparation for this rite, can pray on it. First, the deacon asks for a blessing at the beginning of the service. Then, after the priest glorifies the Holy Trinity, he pronounces the Great Litany. This hour ends with the phrase of mass with the phrase “Catechism, go forth.”
3. The Liturgy of the Faithful is served only for baptized Orthodox Christians. The gifts are transferred to the throne from the altar and consecrated. There is Communion of the faithful, thanksgiving for the Eucharist and dismissal.

What is liturgy in simple words?

This is the most important divine service in the Orthodox Church, at which God is glorified and believers who partake of Communion are united with Jesus Christ.

Liturgy with video explanations

Types of Liturgy in Orthodoxy

There are three types of Divine Liturgy:

1. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. On it, believers partake of the Holy Gifts, consecrated earlier. This mass is celebrated during part of the days of Great Lent. On it, believers partake of the Holy Gifts, consecrated earlier, at other types of Liturgies.

2. Liturgy of Basil the Great. This type of mass is celebrated on some Lenten days, on the eve or on the days of the Nativity of Christ, as well as Epiphany. It is also served on the day of remembrance of St. Basil the Great.
3. Liturgy of John Chrysostom. It takes place on all other days of the year.

When is the Liturgy celebrated?

The second name of the Liturgy is mass. This service bears this name because it must be performed before lunch, before noon, between the sixth and ninth hour. Sometimes the liturgy drags on until lunchtime - for example, during fasting and holidays, when a huge number of people begin to receive Communion.

How long does the Liturgy last?

On average, the Liturgy lasts up to 4 hours, but can be limited to two hours. The duration increases if, for example, many parishioners confess and receive communion, if the rite of introducing babies and mothers into the church after childbirth is performed, if the service is minimally shortened (usually in monastic churches it lasts much longer than in ordinary churches). Much depends on the choir and directly on the regent, on the chosen chants. The length of the sermon is also important. As a rule, on holidays, Sundays and Lenten days, the service lasts longer.

Schedule of Liturgies in the temple

Being late for the liturgy is a sin. Therefore, in order to arrive on time, parishioners should familiarize themselves with the schedule of liturgies. It is usually published on the notice board and/or on the temple website. In churches with a small number of parishioners, Liturgies are often served only on Sundays and holidays, as well as daily during Holy Week before Easter. In large churches, in cathedrals with a large number of parishioners and in monasteries, the Liturgy is served daily. On holidays and Sundays in such churches (especially if several churches are located on one site) there are 2-4 Liturgies.
An example of a schedule of liturgies in a monastery:
6.30 Liturgy in the Holy Protection Church.
8.00 Liturgy in the Church of St. Nicholas.
9.30 Liturgy in the Holy Protection Church.

Liturgy on Parents' Saturday

Parents' Saturdays are days of special remembrance of deceased Orthodox Christians. They differ primarily in funeral services - lithiums, memorial services, parastases. The main prayers for deceased Christians are offered on the Friday before. However, according to the read troparions, canons and stichera of the liturgy parent's Saturdays are also different. These days, most parishioners try to submit notes and light candles for repose, pray for deceased relatives and all previously deceased Orthodox Christians.

Liturgy during the days of Great Lent

On Lenten days, mass often lasts much longer than in other periods, because a huge number of believers want to confess and receive communion. Special sermons, extraordinary services on Palm Sunday and during Holy Week - all this encourages many even unchurched people to attend church.

What does it mean to order the Liturgy?

In the Orthodox Church, some services can be ordered everywhere - for example, a memorial service for the deceased or a funeral lithium. In some churches today you can “order a liturgy.” It is served separately from the general one specifically for the person who ordered it and, for example, his relatives and is often associated with the commemoration of the deceased. Sometimes the phrase “Custom liturgy” means a special requirement. For each name indicated in the note, a particle is taken from the Holy Bread (prosphora), which at the end of the Liturgy is placed into a chalice with the Blood of Christ; They are also commemorated during the special litany.

Communion at the Liturgy

Communion is the culmination of the Liturgy, its main action is the partaking of the Holy Mysteries by believers. Participants in this Sacrament merge with God, receive healing from physical and spiritual illnesses, strength for self-improvement, and struggle with their own shortcomings and passions. Of all the numerous church services, communion occurs only at the Divine Liturgy, which greatly enhances its significance.

Christians prepare for Communion at the Liturgy by fasting, reading special prayers and participating in the Sacrament of Confession. As for small children, they receive communion without any special preparation; As it increases, it is possible to introduce a minimum measure of fasting.

Confession at the Liturgy

Confession, unlike Communion, can occur not only during the liturgy, but also before it, and during the evening service. Since repentance cleanses the soul and prepares it to receive the Holy Gifts, confession at the liturgy is often chosen by those parishioners who are afraid of sinning in the time period before Communion.

To confess at the Liturgy, before this service, believers carefully analyze their behavior in the past, and then mentally or in writing make a list of their sins. The priest reads over the confessors repentance prayer, and then the Sacrament itself begins. During Confession, Orthodox Christians take turns approaching the lectern (special table) and tell the priest their sins, after which the priest reads a prayer of absolution over each one. Some penitents may not be allowed to receive Communion. The rest of the parishioners receive the blessing to receive communion.

Festive Liturgy, briefly with explanations

The liturgy on the holiday is distinguished by a special selection of prayers and chants. For example, the Liturgy on the day of remembrance of St. Nicholas is distinguished by the remembrance of this saint and the reading of special prayers addressed to him.

What time does the Liturgy begin?

The Liturgy is always served in the morning until noon, but it is different in all churches and cathedrals. Most often it starts at 8.00 or 9.00, but it can also start at other times (for example, at 5.30 or 9.30). Before informing parishioners, each church has a Schedule of Services, most often updated weekly.

What time does church service start on Sunday?

The Liturgy is always served in the morning until noon, but in all churches and cathedrals at different times. Most often it starts at 8.00 or 9.00, but sometimes at other times (for example, 5.30 or 9.30). To inform parishioners, each church has a Schedule of Services, most often updated weekly.

One or more services may be served on Sunday. In all churches on this day, at least one Liturgy is served in the morning, more often - two, early and late. In addition to it, there may be Vespers, Matins and the Hours, in monastery churches - Compline and Midnight Office. The sacraments of Marriage and Baptism, for example, are also among the services. They are often scheduled for a time after the liturgy.

To find out the start time of services, you need to look at the schedule of services in the church, ask the priest, or visit the church website.

What time does church service start today, on weekdays?

In many churches, evening and morning services are held on weekdays. Their start time is indicated in the Schedule of Services, most often posted on the notice board near the temple. You can find out about the start time of baptisms, weddings and other services (private services) directly from the priest.

What time does church service start on holidays?

As a rule, the largest number of parishioners attend church on holidays. There are often more services these days than usual. The start time of services in each church is different, and it is best to find out the schedule directly on the spot.

What time does church service start on Saturday?

It is on Saturday evening that the church serves Sunday Matins with anointing of oil. This ritual of depicting a cross on the forehead of believers symbolizes the outpouring of God's mercy on the anointed one. Therefore, such services are especially crowded, often parents bring small children. This service usually begins in the evening, for example, at 17.00, 18.00 or another time established in the temple. The Saturday Liturgy is served in the morning until noon, usually at the same time as on weekdays.

How long does the church service last?

The service can last for several hours or several tens of minutes - it all depends on the type of service. For example, the Liturgy can last from early morning until almost lunch, and the Memorial Service after it can be relatively short.

What time does the evening service start in church?

Evening services in parish churches usually consist of Vespers, as well as Matins and the first hour. Sometimes this includes, for example, Akathists. Usually evening service starts at 17.00, 17.30 or 18.00, but may also be at other times.

What time does church service end?

The daily cycle of services in some monasteries can be called continuous. But in many small churches there may be only a few services a day: in the morning - Divine Liturgy, later - Vespers and Matins. The liturgy ends approximately before noon - for example, at 10 or 12 o'clock. Evening worship most often ends at approximately 19-20 hours.

Does the church have a day off?

In large churches, services take place daily. IN small towns and villages it is not difficult to find churches that do not have services on weekdays. However, these days you can easily turn to a priest, say, with a request to help prepare for Baptism or to give advice in a difficult situation. life situation. Most likely, despite the absence of a service, the priest will make an appointment for the questioner to meet in the temple. Services (weddings, funeral services, etc.) in such churches can also be scheduled on a weekday. So we can say with confidence that the church has no days off.

On what days can the church be closed?

One of the conditions necessary for the celebration of the liturgy is the presence of parishioners. So if only the priest and choir members attend church on a weekday, the Liturgy in such churches is not daily. Both Matins and Vespers may not be served, so the church on weekdays, for example, in a small village may be closed. However, on Saturday evenings, as well as on Sunday mornings, services are held in all churches.

Church Schedule

If services are performed in all 12 months of the year, weekly and daily - is it really possible? Orthodox Christian obliged to attend everything without exception? Of course this is not true. The Bible mentions that the main thing is to attend Sunday services, that is, those held on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Also great importance has attendance at services on days Orthodox holidays, during Holy Week in Lent— it is advisable not to skip them without special reasons.

It is important to regularly sincerely confess and receive communion, and then, as a Christian becomes a member of the Church, he will have a desire to attend services more and more often. After all, an Orthodox Christian, who tries to live according to the Commandments of God, devotes Special attention prayer and participating in the Sacraments, in church he feels special Divine Grace. It is she who calls on millions of believers to rush to church at every opportunity and pray without fatigue, with joy, during long services. So scheduling church attendance is a very individual, personal matter.

Of course, from the first days in the Orthodox Church, a believer will not be able to understand the features of numerous services, will not understand and will not remember all the subtleties. However, if a person makes an effort and does not retreat on the path of churching, following the path of life under the guidance of a confessor - over time, complex and confusing at first glance church life will become more and more understandable, and the Lord Himself will support and strengthen you along the way.

Attending a church service is one of the most important events for every Christian. It is aimed at introducing an adult or a child into the life of the temple, which implies communication with God, the study of religious dogmas, the search for unity with God and eternal salvation.

Church routine

The church is not just a place for prayer, it is believed that Christ dwells there. Everyone who comes to the temple must adhere to special rules of behavior (women cover their heads with a headscarf, men take off their hats, before entering, after leaving the threshold of the temple, you need to make the sign of the cross, etc.) and it is advisable to know the work schedule of the church. This will make it possible to avoid awkward situations and waste of time.

Almost all churches have the same daily routine. At 7-8 o'clock in the morning the priest begins the morning service, it lasts several hours. At the end of it, the clergyman conducts various sacraments at the request of the laity - weddings, baptisms, prayer services, memorial services, etc. The evening service begins at approximately 17.00, it ends at least 2 hours later. After this comes the hour of confessions and conversations with parishioners. But sometimes, if the priest went to church services (communion, unction of the sick, funeral with a trip to the cemetery), it may not be carried out.

When does the Palm Sunday service begin?

Divine services can be daily (they are held for believers according to a special schedule - morning, afternoon, evening, midnight office, liturgy, etc.) or festive, organized in honor of religious holidays. Church service does not imply passive listening to prayers, but Active participation through thinking, turning to God and performing ritual actions. During the ceremony, prayers, psalms from the Bible are read, and church songs are sung.

Divine services are needed to bring a person closer to God, to grow in grace, as the priests say. They are carried out according to a special schedule, and on religious holidays it is special, as well as in honor of the celebration of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. It is also called Palm Sunday(as Jesus was greeted with green branches date palm, our prototype is the green willow, as one of the first trees to awaken from winter sleep).

The festive liturgy begins around 7 a.m., in some churches it is repeated at 10-11 a.m., much depends on the daily routine of a particular parish. It is best to check the time with the priest, write it down, and always be guided by this, but there should not be large discrepancies. But the All-Night Vigil service the day before begins at 5-6 pm and continues until 5-6 am. The willow, which is traditionally carried by parishioners, may be blessed after the evening service on Saturday, but more often it is done at the end of the Sunday morning liturgy (depending on the parish).

What time do church services start on Easter?

Easter is the most significant holiday in Christianity, glorifying the resurrection of Christ. On the eve of Saturday, at about 20.00 in the evening (pre-Easter evening service), the priest begins the service by reading the Acts of the Holy Apostles. At approximately 23.00-00.00 the bells ring, calling the parishioners, and he proceeds to the night service (midnight office or all-night vigil). At approximately 12 o'clock at night, the priest makes the first religious procession around the temple. At the end of the service, the pasques begin to be blessed. At 7-8 am there is a morning service, and at about 15.00 - an evening service. In the church service in honor of Easter, no reading is used, all services are only sung, bows are cancelled.

Church service means serving God through reading prayers, hymns, sermons, and sacred rites, according to the charter of the church. They are held for spiritual connection with God and expression of one’s faith. Liturgies in honor of holidays are held at approximately the same times everywhere, although the hours may vary slightly in different parishes.

Church services or in popular words, church services are the main events for which churches are intended. According to Orthodox tradition, daytime, morning and evening rituals are performed daily there. And each of these services consists of 3 types of services, which are collectively combined into a daily circle:

• vespers - from Vespers, Compline and the ninth hour;
• morning - from Matins, the first hour and midnight;
• daytime - from the Divine Liturgy and the third and sixth hours.

Thus, the daily circle includes nine services.

Service Features

In Orthodox services, much is borrowed from Old Testament times. For example, the beginning of a new day is considered to be not midnight, but 6 pm, which is the reason for holding vespers - the first service of the daily cycle. It recalls the main events of Sacred History Old Testament; we're talking about about the creation of the world, the fall of the first parents, the ministry of the prophets and the Mosaic legislation, and Christians give thanks to the Lord for a new day lived.

After this, according to the Church Charter, it is necessary to serve Compline - public prayers for the coming sleep, which speak of the descent of Christ into hell and the liberation of the righteous from it.

At midnight, the 3rd service is supposed to be performed - the midnight service. This service is held to remind Last Judgment and the Second Coming of the Savior.

The morning service in the Orthodox Church (Matins) is one of the longest services. It is dedicated to the events and circumstances of the Savior’s earthly life and consists of many prayers of repentance and gratitude.

The first hour is performed around 7 o'clock in the morning. This is a short service about Jesus' presence at the trial of the high priest Caiaphas.

The third hour takes place at 9 am. At this time, the events that took place in the Upper Room of Zion are remembered, when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and in Pilate’s praetorium the Savior received a death sentence.

The sixth hour is held at noon. This service is about the time of the Lord's crucifixion. The ninth hour should not be confused with it - the service about His death on the cross, which takes place at three o'clock in the afternoon.

The main worship service and the peculiar center of this daily circle is considered Divine Liturgy or mass, distinctive feature which from other services is the opportunity, in addition to memories of God and the earthly life of our Savior, to unite with Him in reality, participating in the sacrament of Communion. The time of this liturgy is from 6 to 9 o’clock until noon before lunch, which is why it was given its second name.

Changes in the conduct of services

Modern practice of worship has brought some changes to the instructions of the Charter. And today Compline is held only during Lent, and Midnight - once a year, on the eve of Easter. Even less frequently, the ninth hour passes, and the remaining 6 services of the daily circle are combined into 2 groups of 3 services.

The evening service in the church takes place in a special sequence: Christians serve Vespers, Matins and the first hour. Before holidays and Sundays, these services are combined into one, which is called the all-night vigil, that is, it involves long night prayers until dawn, carried out in ancient times. This service lasts 2-4 hours in parishes and from 3 to 6 hours in monasteries.

Morning worship in the church differs from past times with successive services of the third, sixth hours and mass.

It is also important to note the holding of early and late liturgies in churches where there is a larger congregation of Christians. Such services are usually performed in holidays and on Sunday. Both liturgies are preceded by the reading of the hours.

There are days when there is no morning church service or liturgy. For example, on Friday Holy Week. In the morning of this day, a short sequence of visual arts is performed. This service consists of several chants and seems to depict the liturgy; However, this service has not received the status of independent service.

Divine services also include various sacraments, rituals, reading akathists in churches, community readings of evening and morning prayers and rules for Holy Communion.

In addition, services are held in churches according to the needs of parishioners - demands. For example: Wedding, Baptism, funeral services, prayer services and others.

In each church, cathedral or temple, service hours are set differently, therefore, to obtain information about the conduct of any service, clergymen recommend finding out the schedule compiled by a specific religious institution.

And to those who doesn't know him, you can adhere to the following time periods:

• from 6 to 8 and from 9 to 11 am - early and late morning services;
• from 16 to 18 hours - evening and all-night services;
• During the day there is a festive service, but it is better to check the time of its holding.

All services are usually performed in a church and only by clergy, and believing parishioners participate in them by singing and praying.

Christian holidays

Christian holidays are divided into two types: transferable and non-transitionable; They are also called the twelve holidays. To avoid missing services regarding them, it is important to know the dates.

Not transferable

Rolling for 2018

1. April 1 - Palm Sunday.
2. April 8 - Easter.
3. May 17 - Ascension of the Lord.
4. May 27 - Pentecost or Holy Trinity.

The duration of church services on holidays differs from each other. This mainly depends on the holiday itself, the performance of the service, the duration of the sermon and the number of communicants and confessors.

If for some reason you are late or do not come to the service, no one will judge you, because it is not so important what time it will start and how long it will last, it is much more important that your arrival and participation are sincere.

Preparation for Sunday ritual

If you decide to come to church on Sunday, you should prepare for this. Morning service on Sunday - the strongest, it is held for the purpose of communion. It happens like this: the priest gives you the body of Christ and his blood in a piece of bread and a sip of wine. Prepare for this The event needs at least 2 days in advance.

1. You should fast on Friday and Saturday: remove fatty foods and alcohol from your diet, exclude marital intimacy, do not swear, do not offend anyone and do not be offended yourself.
2. The day before communion, read 3 canons, namely: the repentant prayer to Jesus Christ, the prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Guardian Angel, as well as the 35th Follow-up to Holy Communion. This will take about an hour.
3. Read a prayer for the coming sleep.
4. Do not eat, do not smoke, do not drink after midnight.

How to behave during communion

In order not to miss the start of the church service on Sunday, you need to come to the church early, around 7.30. Until this time, you should not eat or smoke. There is a specific procedure for visiting.

After communion, under no circumstances rush to get what you want. e, that is, get high and so on, don’t desecrate the sacrament. It is recommended to know moderation in everything and read grace-filled prayers for several days so as not to desecrate this service.

The need to visit the temple

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who came to earth for our sake, founded the Church, where to this day everything we need is present and invisible, which is given to us for eternal life. Where “the invisible Heavenly Powers serve for us,” they say in Orthodox chants, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am among them,” is written in the Gospel (chapter 18, verse 20, Gospel of Matthew), - this is what the Lord said to the apostles and everyone who believes in Him, therefore invisible presence of Christ During services in the temple, people lose if they do not come there.

An even greater sin is committed by parents who do not care about their children serving the Lord. Let us remember the words of our Savior from Scripture: “Let your children go and do not hinder them from coming to Me, for for them is the Kingdom of Heaven.” The Lord also tells us: “Man shall not live by bread, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (chapter 4, verse 4 and chapter 19, verse 14, the same Gospel of Matthew).

Spiritual food is also necessary human soul, as well as bodily to maintain strength. And where will a person hear God’s word, if not in the temple? After all, there, among those who believe in him, the Lord himself dwells. After all, it is there that the teachings of the apostles and prophets are preached, who spoke and predicted by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, there is the teaching of Christ Himself, who is the true Life, Wisdom, Way and Light, which enlightens every parishioner coming into the world. The temple is heaven on our earth.

The services that take place there, according to the Lord, are the works of angels. By being taught in a church, temple, or cathedral, Christians receive God's blessing to help them succeed in good deeds and beginnings.

“You will hear the church bell ringing, calling for prayer, and your conscience will tell you that you need to go to the house of the Lord. Go and put all your business aside, if you can, and hurry to God's Church“- advises Theophan the Recluse, a saint of Orthodoxy, “Know that your guardian angel is calling you under the roof of the house of the Lord; it is he, your celestial being, who reminds you of earthly Heaven so that you can sanctify your soul there by your grace of Christ and delight your heart with heavenly consolation; and - who knows what will happen? “Perhaps he is also calling you there in order to ward off temptation from you, which cannot be avoided in any way, because if you stay at home, there will be no shelter for you under the canopy of the Lord’s house from the great danger...”

A Christian in church learns the Heavenly wisdom that the Son of God brings to earth. He learns the details of the life of his Savior, and becomes acquainted with the teachings and lives of the saints of God, and takes part in church prayer. And the congregational prayer - great power! And there are examples of this in history. When the apostles were awaiting the coming of the Holy Spirit, they were in unanimous prayer. Therefore, in the church, in the depths of our souls, we expect that the Holy Spirit will come to us. This happens, but only if we do not create obstacles for this. For example, insufficient openness of heart can prevent parishioners from uniting believers when reading prayers.

In our time, unfortunately, this happens quite often, since believers behave incorrectly, including in church, and the reason for this is ignorance of the truth of the Lord. The Lord knows our thoughts and feelings. He will not leave those who sincerely believe in him, as well as a person in need of communion and repentance, so the doors of God’s house are always open to parishioners.

And now everything is in order. Church services or public worship is the main purpose of all temples. Evening, morning and afternoon services are held daily and each of them consists of three types of services. Thus, it turns out that 9 services are held per day, which are repeated day after day, which is why such daily services are called the daily circle.

There is also a seven-week circle of services - a sequence of services repeated within 1 week (1 week). There are services that are held once a year, they are called annual. The church bell calls all believers to the church for prayer, but it is better to come to the church in advance in order to have time to venerate the icons, order a memorial, and light candles before the service begins.

Women must wear a dress or skirt to the temple, be sure to come with their heads covered, and it is also advisable not to wear makeup. Men, on the contrary, must bare their heads when entering the temple. If you have a desire to take part in a service, it is better to find out in advance how the service is held in the church.

Upon entering the temple, you should cross yourself 3 times and bow. As soon as the service begins, you should stand in one place. The service itself consists of prayers and church chants performed by a clergyman, who is often assisted by a church choir. From these chants, Christians learn about the life of Christ and his disciples; in their prayers, believers thank the Lord.

During the service, you cannot walk around the temple, you cannot talk, you must stand and listen carefully to everything that the clergyman says. Only seriously ill people are allowed to sit, while others can only sit while reading certain prayers. If you are late for the start of the service, you should enter the temple and join the worshippers.

But the Orthodox celebrate the most important parts of the service, such as the Six Psalms and the Gospel, during which entry is prohibited: you should remain at the door, waiting for the end of these prayers. Leaving the temple during the service is a great sin. If you see someone you know while a church service is going on, you are only supposed to nod your head to him; shaking hands in the church is prohibited.

The duration of services is not limited by any canons; the service can last from 1.5 to 3 hours. Orthodox Church attaches great importance to any prayer, but it is believed that it is the conciliar prayer of the assembled believers that has the greatest power. In addition to the daily, seven-week and annual cycle of services, the church also holds services called trebami, which means according to the needs of Christians. These include baptism, prayer services, weddings, funeral services, memorial services, etc.