Worship is derived from the Greek word “latreia” which also implies “adoration.” What do we adore? Worship involves prayer but it is much more than prayer. It is coming into the presence of God and being changed by him. This can happen only if we humble ourselves and direct our focus on listening, learning, and loving.
Sunday Divine Liturgy- The Lord’s Day
Liturgy comes from two Greek words meaning “the work of the people”.
Divine Liturgy is the Holy Work of the People to worship the Trinitarian
God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection
of Jesus Christ. We hear the Word of God and then we receive the Lord Himself
in Holy Communion. These are two of the greatest gifts of God. They help
to guide, strengthen and inspire us. God created us to worship Him, to know
our Creator so that we might know how He wants us to live.
Orthodox Christians should attend Divine Liturgy every Sunday. We are part
of a family of God’s people. We enter into His Kingdom together, not
as individuals, in the life of the Church. Every Liturgy we miss, we separate
ourselves further from the source of Life. In the same way, if we habitually
come 30-40-60 minutes late to Liturgy, we cannot expect any real benefit.
Our unrepentant laziness prevents God’s grace from penetrating into
our heart, mind and soul.
Come, taste and see how good the Lord is. He is the source of immortal life!
Children in Church
Parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles: Jesus said, “Let
the little children come to me, do not hinder them.” Every time we
have an opportunity to pray with, teach, read scripture, the saints, go
to church, youth activity, be an example to, to love and care for our children;
we are presented with a choice- society’s values and priorities or
the priority of Christ? One choice may not turn the tide but it can lead
to a series of choices that will reflect what we truly value or what we
are enslaved to. Be a slave/doulos of Christ!
We will give account before the judgment seat of Christ for our choices.
Think about your future judgment now so that your choices will be influenced
appropriately in the right way. The Church cannot help your kids unless
you let them come and do not hinder them. Be supportive, active and involved.
It’s been said that children are like sponges. They soak up everything.
This is true of worship, prayer, and spirituality. There is so much for
them to see, hear, and do in the Church. These experiences will leave a
deep and lasting impression upon them. We as parents and godparents have
the high calling of forming and shaping the souls of those entrusted to
our care. This cannot be done without bringing our children regularly and
on time to Sunday Liturgy. It is with particular joy that we see and hear
so many children during Divine Liturgy. We encourage parents to bring their
children to church regularly and once they are baptized, to bring them for
Holy Communion as often as possible. As with anything else, our children
need to be taught how to behave in Church.
At first, we may find that our children are more active than we or others
around us would like. Eventually, they learn how to act when in the church
just like they learn to act when at school or at the doctor’s office.
If your child is distracting you, they are probably distracting others.
Use the quiet room if necessary or take them into the exo-narthex until
they achieve an appropriate demeanor then, bring them back into the church.
Don’t be manipulated by them and end up missing the liturgy because
they get to “play” or be loud outside of church. If the quiet
room becomes crowded, please observe a one parent for one child limit. For
parents with infants and toddlers, the youth room is available on Sunday
morning for nursing. Diaper changers are in both bathrooms. At this time,
St. George does not have a drop-off nursery. We want your child to be with
us in Liturgy and they should be there. It’s where they belong.
One last note, if you think your child cannot behave or cannot focus during
a one and half hour service, think again. First, ask honestly ask yourself
if you can tolerate the service. Don’t use your child as an excuse
to come late or every other Sunday. If you are bored and uninterested with
Divine Worship, it’s time for a spiritual check-up to get to the heart
of the illness that plagues your soul. Your children will do just fine with
worship if you allow them to attend and train them appropriately. Parents
who come late because of their young kids, end up continuing their habit
of tardiness even as the kids get older. The end result is a bad habit gets
ingrained in the children and passed-down to yet another generation.
Saturday Evening Vespers and Sunday Morning Orthros:
Vespers (from the Greek “Esperinos” meaning “evening”)
and Orthros (meaning “upright” or “wake up”) services
are not private gatherings. They are services open to all the faithful.
In the Orthodox Church, the meaning of each day and each feast day is found
in the hymns of the Church chanted at Orthros and Vespers. Throughout the
history of the Christian Church, the faithful learned about what the Church
teaches by attending the services. By hearing the hymns and by looking at
the icons, the faithful are nourished and educated. Today we are committed
to keeping this tradition alive because it most perfectly fits the needs
of the faithful. Continuing from the Jewish practice, the liturgical day
began at sundown and thus Vespers is the first service of each new day.
Saturday evening Vespers are celebrated September through May and provide
a unique experience for the family to glorify God. Orthros, although not
the first service in the day, is basically the “sunrise” service
and is usually held in conjunction with Divine Liturgy. Orthros is celebrated
every Sunday at 8:15 AM before Liturgy. Both are full of hymns and readings
and could be an option if someone is not able to attend Divine Liturgy on
a particular Sunday.
Weekday Liturgy
These are celebrated in honor of a particular saint or event in salvation
history. These are excellent opportunities to come and worship in a personal/intimate
way and a great way to celebrate your nameday. These are also a good time
for young children to become better acquainted with the Church and the Liturgy.
Everyone who is not working or does not have other commitments should attend
these services.