First Liturgy

Part 4 of 9 · 4 min read

The Divine Liturgy

In short The Divine Liturgy is the main Sunday service, and Communion is its centre. It usually runs 1 to 2 hours and is almost entirely sung. No one expects visitors to know what’s going on, so relax and take it in.

Step by step

This is a simplified version of the usual Sunday Liturgy (of St John Chrysostom). Use the arrows to move through it.

  1. Step 1

    “Blessed is the Kingdom”

    What’s happening
    The priest opens with a blessing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The idea is that we’re stepping into heaven’s worship, which is already going on.
    What you do
    Make the sign of the cross if you like, and join in the “Amen”.

  2. Step 2

    The Great Litany

    What’s happening
    A list of prayers: for peace, the Church, the sick, travellers, the whole world. After each one, the choir sings “Lord, have mercy”.
    What you do
    Pray along. You’ll hear “Lord, have mercy” a lot today. It’s not grovelling. It asks for God’s loving kindness.

  3. Step 3

    Psalms and the Beatitudes

    What’s happening
    Psalms and hymns are sung, often including the Beatitudes (“Blessed are the poor in spirit…”).
    What you do
    Listen. This is a good time to settle in.

  4. Step 4

    The Little Entrance

    What’s happening
    The Gospel book is carried out in procession and back through the central doors. It shows Christ coming to teach. Then comes the hymn “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
    What you do
    Many people cross themselves and bow slightly as the Gospel passes.

  5. Step 5

    The readings

    What’s happening
    A reading from the New Testament letters, then “Alleluia”, then the Gospel, read by the priest or deacon. A sermon often follows, though some parishes put it at the end.
    What you do
    Stand and listen. The Gospel is the one part where everyone stands still and attentive.

  6. Step 6

    The Great Entrance

    What’s happening
    The choir sings the Cherubic Hymn (“let us lay aside all earthly cares”) while the bread and wine are carried in procession to the altar.
    What you do
    Bow your head slightly as the gifts pass. It’s one of the quietest moments of the service.

  7. Step 7

    The Creed

    What’s happening
    Everyone says or sings the Nicene Creed together: “I believe in one God…”
    What you do
    You probably know most of it already. Join in if you’re comfortable.

  8. Step 8

    The Anaphora (Eucharistic prayer)

    What’s happening
    The holiest part. “Let us lift up our hearts.” Thanksgiving, “Holy, holy, holy”, Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, and a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to make the bread and wine Christ’s Body and Blood. A hymn to Mary follows.
    What you do
    Stand quietly and watch what others do. Many bow deeply here.

  9. Step 9

    The Lord’s Prayer

    What’s happening
    Everyone prays the Our Father together.
    What you do
    Pray it with them. Orthodox usually stop at “deliver us from evil”, and the priest sings the ending.

  10. Step 10

    Communion

    What’s happening
    “With fear of God, faith and love, draw near.” Orthodox Christians who have prepared receive the bread and wine together from a spoon.
    What you do
    Stay where you are and pray along quietly. The Eucharist is shared by those baptised or received into the Orthodox Church, as a sign of one shared faith. It’s not a judgement on you.

  11. Step 11

    Dismissal and blessed bread

    What’s happening
    A final blessing. People line up to kiss the cross the priest holds and receive a piece of blessed bread (antidoron; Serbs call it nafora).
    What you do
    You can usually join the line too. The bread is blessed, but it isn’t Communion. If you’re unsure, watch first or ask.

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