Church Practices

[Justin Kissel]

Nicholas Cabasilas (†1391) was probably the most famous example of a lay theologian (as opposed to the western practice of only priestly theologians). He wrote some phenomenal works, one on the Divine Liturgy and one on the Sacramental Life of a Christian in the Church. I think he lived in Byzantium, though he had done a little traveling as he was studying as well. He lived at the same time as Gregory Palamas, and perhaps even got involved in some of the Hesychastic discussions.

[TomS]

In the GOA churches they kneel on Sunday before communion.

I don't kneel, and am like the only person standing (although my wife surprised me last Sunday and stood with me). But I still can't get her to cover her head!

[Justin Kissel]

"The priest, having said the doxology aloud, comes to the altar of preperation, takes the offerings, and reverently holding them head-high departs. Carrying them thus, he goes to the altar, after walking in slow and solemn procession through the nave of the church. The faithful chant during this procession, kneeling down reverently and devoutly, and praying that they may be remembered when the offering is made...

During this ceremony we must prostrate ourselves before the priest and entreat him to remember us in the prayers which he is about to say. For there is no other means of supplication so powerful, so certain of acceptance, as that which takes place through this most holy sacrifice, which has freely cleansed us of our sins and iniquities." - Nicholas Cabasilas, Commentary On the Divine Liturgy, Part 3: The Liturgy of the Faithful

[TomS]

Oops, maybe I misunderstood what you were talking about.

I did not mean when the Priest comes out with the Gifts, I meant prior to that, earlier in the Litiurgy.

Only 1 or 2 people in the GOA Churches that I attend kneel during the procession, only the very devout immigrants. Really can't do that with pews.

[Justin Kissel]

Well, I was just sort of throwing it out there for anyone to comment on (or read). Am interested in what people think of that.

[sue_57]

In the Greek Church, the community kneels during the consecration when the priest begins his prayer:"Again we offer unto thee this reasonable and unbloody service, and beseech thee and pray thee and supplicate thee: send down thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here spread forth:...." some kneel and some stand with head bowed. We stand when the priest begins:"Especially our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary:"

I was told by my priest that the purpose of the blessed bread (antidoron) was this: In the early church people walked many miles to church in some areas. After fasting all night and no breakfast and sitting through a very lengthy liturgy they were hungry and the bread gave some nourishment for their return trip home.

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 On kissing the hand of the priest, it is a show of respect for the hand that held the body and blood of Christ. We were taught that it is proper to kiss the priest hand after taking communion and then kiss the chalice and again at the end of the liturgy when he either holds his hand out with a piece of antidoron or holds the cross to kiss, then his hand.  Also when greeting a priest we are suppose to cup our hands with the right ontop of the left and ask for a blessing and kiss his hand

just my 2 cents worth

[OrthodoxyOrDeath]

It is Holy Tradition not to kneel on Sundays (which represents the ressurrection), and the period between Pascha and Pentecost. Of course with the GOA's tireless efforts to mirror their other lung the Latins , this has been very well received.

Kneeling, standing on ones knees, is a modern compromise between a full prostration and pews.