What happens in a Greek Orthodox church service?
Much of the service follows a similar pattern to Roman Catholic Mass and Anglican Holy Communion . Orthodox churches have many symbols. Both art and music are used to deepen the spiritual experience of worshippers but musical instruments are not used during services. Singing and chanting creates a reverent atmosphere.
What is Greek Orthodox liturgy?
Divine Liturgy (Greek: Θεία Λειτουργία, translit. Theia Leitourgia) or Holy Liturgy is the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine Rite, developed from the Antiochene Rite of Christian liturgy which is that of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
How long do Orthodox services last?
Originally Answered: How long do Orthodox Jewish services usually take? It honestly depends on the synogogue you attend. The weekday morning services usually last half an hour with the afternoon and evening prayers typically ranging from 10–15 minutes each.
Can you wear pants to a Greek Orthodox Church?
The general rule is to wear clothes that are classy and not too provocative. Business casual or a suit and tie for the men are both acceptable. For women, wearing a dress or skirt that falls around the knee is preferred. Even though pantsuits are acceptable, they are still frowned on.
Why do Orthodox touch the ground?
A bow in the Orthodox Church consists of a person making the sign of the cross and then bowing from the waist and touching the floor with their fingers. This action is done extensively throughout all Orthodox services and is a fundamental way that the Orthodox express their reverence and subservience to God.
Why do Greek Orthodox churches have domes?
One says that these domes are meant to gather or collect the goodness from Heaven, while another explanation is that they are meant to show the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The domes also come in different forms.
Do Greek Orthodox have mass?
Greeks don’t celebrate Mass, they conduct the Divine Liturgy and no it won’t satisfy your Sunday Catholic obligation, a Divine Liturgy by Melkite, Maronite, Greek Catholic or Ruthenian Byzantine will.
Is cremation allowed in the Greek Orthodox Church?
According to the law, Orthodox Greeks can choose cremation as long as they have stated this in writing before their death or their immediate relatives wish it. For decades the Greek Orthodox Church had strongly opposed cremation, saying the body is God’s creation and cannot be burned.
How do you do the Orthodox prostate?
In Eastern Orthodox (Byzantine Rite) worship, prostrations are preceded by making the sign of the cross and consist of kneeling and touching the head to the floor. They are commonly performed both at specific moments during the services and when venerating relics or icons.
How do Orthodox churches cross?
How to Know When… For Greek Orthodox Christians, the sign of the cross is the ultimate expression of their faith. While making the sign of the cross, Orthodox Christians do so by touching their thumb, index, and middle fingers together, which represents the Holy Trinity.
Why are Orthodox churches blue?
Bright red would be worn for Saints Peter and Paul feast, and for the Angels. In Moscow style, on Mount Athos, and at Jerusalem, bright red is worn on Pascha and on the Nativity. Blue is worn for all feasts of the Virgin, Presentation of the Lord, Annunciation, and sometimes on the fifth Friday of Lent (Akathist).