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
The Seven-Day Commemoration In The Orthodox Church "The Week: A Seven Day Holiday". The Greek Orthodox ecclesiastical year (Indiction), begins in September, and is marked with events and holidays of our religious history. In addition to the annual cycle, the seven-day week...
1. Who are the faithful?
The faithful are all that have received the Baptism in the name of the Holy Trinity in the Orthodox Church and are found in good ecclesiastical order. As we saw previously the catechumens and the people that were not in good order were leaving the Nave after the Litany of the catechumens and staying in the Narthex
1. 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
1. What is the Proskomidi?
The Proskomidi is the first part of the Divine Liturgy during which the Priest prepares mystically the gifts necessary for the Eucharistic Sacrifice of the Liturgy. It is performed in a special place in the Holy Altar called the Oblation table, Proskomidi or Prothesis.
1. What is the meaning of the word Liturgy?
The word Liturgy comes from the Greek word leitourgia meaning service or public office. In the primary Church the word liturgy was referring not only to the Church services but to any services rendered to the Christian community
Nicholas Cabasilas
Robert F. Taft