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Learning to die before we could learn how to live – About Holy Communion in times of pandemic

Before we start, I want to qualify my words. This article is just a personal reflection, sparked by conversations I had  with a few good friends of mine, to whom I am very grateful. It is not meant to convince anyone, nor to make a  dogmatic or political stance, just my two cents for what they are worth.

The pandemic that has engulfed the world in its tiny viral claws has ignited a very vivid discussion in the Orthodox Church, regarding the way we distribute Holy Communion. As scientists, secular governments are attempting, in some places, to impose a change to our centuries old tradition of distributing the Body and Blood of Christ with a silver spoon, the Church is also trying to give a good response to this… Continue reading

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The Six Psalms and the Extinguishing of Candles

At the very Beginning of the service of Orthros (Matins) the Typicon prescribes the reading   of the “Six Psalms,”  or “Hexapsalm” i.e. Psalms 3, 37, 62, 87, 102, and 142, read in that order, and combined into a single whole.

The faithful should be aware of the fact that the reading of the “Six Psalms” is one of the most important points in the service , a time when all should put aside other thoughts, stand quietly, and concentrate on these penitential prayers. The reading does not constitute a pause in Divine Services, a time during which to go for a walk outside or to talk to one’s neighbor. It is one of the holiest moments… Continue reading

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Questions and Answers about the Divine Liturgy #3’– Liturgy of the Catechumens

gospel_book_11. What are the catechumens?

The catechumens are those that are preparing to become Christians.

2. Why during the first centuries the catechumens could not participate in the whole liturgy?

St. Cyril of Jerusalem explains the situations of the catechumens: „the divine words echoed outside of him; […] he was a listener of the Christian teachings but they were not penetrating Continue reading