About Saint Ahmet (Ahmed)

lived in Constantinople in the seventeenth century. He worked as an Ottoman official in the office of the Chief Secretary and served as a copyist and calligrapher in the Great Archives. As Scribe of the Second Rank, Ahmet lived a comfortable life and held prestige and influence.

His life was that of a typical devout Muslim unmarried Ottoman official. All that would change when he made to bold decision to convert to Orthodox Christianity. However, although he was unmarried, Ahmet the Calligrapher lived with two Russian slave women.  While both women were pious Orthodox Christians, he granted the older woman permission to attend the Greek Orthodox Church services. Each time she attended, she brought holy bread and holy water back to the younger girl.

When Ahmet noticed a lovely fragrance emanating from the girl’s mouth, he asked her what she had eaten. At first she replied she had eaten nothing because she didn’t think of the holy bread as food. Eventually, she explained to him that it was the holy bread that made her breath smell so sweet. This caused Ahmet to become very intrigued by the Orthodox faith, and he became interested in learning more about it.

Conversion to Christianity

Ahmet approached one of the priests and was granted special permission to attend the Ecumenical Patriarch’s celebration of the Divine Liturgy. He dressed in Christian clothing, replaced his white turban with a blue one, and was given a discreet place at the Church. During the service, he witnessed several miracles. First, he saw that the priest carrying the chalice glowed with light and walked suspended in the air. Next, he saw light beaming from Patriarch Iakovos’s fingers onto all the worshipers’ heads except for his own.

These miracles convinced Ahmet to request and receive Holy Baptism. From that point on, he led a secret Christian life. Had his conversion become known, he would have lost his livelihood and been put to death as an apostate.

Martyrdom of Saint Ahmet

Ultimately, Ahmet revealed his secret on the occasion of one of the formal dinners attended by the noblemen. During these gatherings, he had repeatedly made comments that raised the suspicions of his colleagues. One in particular, the third-ranking calligrapher who coveted Ahmet’s position and was jealous of his skills, was determined to make trouble for Ahmet.

Eventually the truth came out during a discussion about the greatest thing in the world. After the first three noblemen answered wisdom, women, and good food, they turned to Ahmet. He shocked them by responding that the Orthodox Christian faith was the greatest thing. Upon hearing that, they beat him and dragged him to the judge.

When questioned, Ahmet explained that he converted as a result of a revelation. The judge imprisoned him for a period of six days with no food or drink and brought back him back to the tribunal. At this point, Ahmet said the fast had purified him and revealed to him the deepest mysteries of the faith. Due to his unwillingness to return to the Islamic faith, Ahmet was sentenced to death and beheaded on May 3, 1682.
Ahmet the Calligrapher became a Christian Saint and was named Christodoulos. It is said that his body glowed after his death. He is commemorated as a martyr by the Orthodox Christian Church twice a year on May 3 and December 24.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki – Ahmed the Calligrapher

Wikipedia – Ahmet the Calligrapher

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Mentioning Saint John in Isaiah

A passage from Isaiah mentions that John will be born before Christ to prepare the way for Him. Here’s what the passage, taken from Isaiah 40:3-5, says:

A voice of one calling:

“In the wilderness prepare

the way for the Lord ^a ;

make straight in the desert

a highway for our God. ^b

Every valley shall be raised up,

every mountain and hill made low;

the rough ground shall become level,

the rugged places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,

and all people will see it together.

This passage is often seen as prophecy John’s work as a preacher. According to the Gospel of John, John the Baptist even used this passage to describe his mission in this world. The verse is also important because it teaches us about Jesus’s role in God’s plan. After meeting Jesus, John the Baptist is said to have instantly recognized Him as the Messiah. From this point on within the Gospels, John the Baptist will play a key role in Jesus’s story. Indeed, it is with John the Baptist that Jesus’s ministry starts in earnest.

Saint John’s Works and Teachings

John was committed to a life of poverty and humility: Indeed, John the Evangelist famously describes the diet of John the Baptist as consisting of “locusts and wild honey.” Most importantly, however, John believed in the power of baptism by water to bring salvation to humankind. Indeed, John baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. After his baptism, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus. For Christ, baptism symbolized the making of a covenant to God the Father.

The baptism of Jesus was not the only role that John would play in the story of Christ. He also preached, and in doing so, he attracted some enemies. Shortly  after baptizing Jesus, John was imprisoned and executed by Herod. At the news of John’s execution, the Gospels tell us that Jesus was very sad. He had lost a good friend; however, Jesus was also aware that John’s fate would predict the manner of His own death.

Feast Day of Saint John the Baptist

Every year, we remember the life of Saint John the Baptist on January 7th. Although John is celebrated several days throughout the Ecclesiastic Year, this is considered to be his main Feast. Here are the hymns that are sung on this day:

Apolytikion of Synaxis of John the Forerunner

Second Tone

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.

Kontakion of Synaxis of John the Forerunner

Plagal of the First Tone

The Jordan accepted Your presence in the flesh and reversed its course in fear. John, fulfilling the spiritual ministry, fell back in awe. The ranks of Angels, seeing You in the flesh, baptized in the river, were amazed, and all who were in darkness were filled with light, praising You who appeared and enlightened all.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki

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About Byzantine Chant

This is a specific style of music that existed during the Byzantine Empire. The earliest manuscripts that exist of Byzantine chant have been dated to around the 9th Century AD. There is some debate as to what the origin of Byzantine chant is. Some believe that it has borrowed elements from a few different styles of music, such as the music of the early church, as well as the music that originated from other cultures, such as from Alexandria, Constantinople, Jerusalem, and Greece. Over the years, the form of music evolved to what it is today.

The music is classified by the choice of notes and how the notes are arranged. It is based on a seven not scale, notated in Greek letter as follows: Νη, Πα, Βου, Γα, Δι, Κε, Ζω. The sounds for these notes are similar to the notes that are part of the Western musical scale, but with some differences since the music operates under different diatonic modes than western music does.

Forms of Music in the Greek Church

In Greece, the typical type of music that can be found in a Greek church is Byzantine chant. However, in Greek Orthodox Churches located elsewhere in the world, it isn’t uncommon to also here other forms of music. For example, in many Greek churches in the United States, they may also have a choir. The chanters and choir often collaborate during a church service and take on different duties. The hymns are usually the same, it’s just a matter of reliving the music in a different style.

As you can see, the music in the Greek Orthodox Church is unique. If you have any questions about the music, you should contact a Greek Orthodox priest for more information. Also, if you attend a Greek church, you can ask one of the church musicians, chanters, or maybe even the choir director for more information.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki – Byzantine Chant

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Talk With an Orthodox Priest

Before you start the process of converting, you will want to speak with a priest in the Greek Orthodox Church. He will be instrumental in guiding you to the path of converting. He will guide you as to what you need to do, as well as what you need to learn, in order to make the conversion happen. He might ask you to meet with him regularly, attend a class, or do some reading on your own.

Learn About the Religion

A big part of your journey will be to learn everything that you can about it. You will want to research the history, beliefs, and information about the different services you could attend. Of course, this self study doesn’t take the place of your conversations with a priest. However, if you do research of your own, you can go to the priest with any questions you might have.

Experience Church Services

You can learn all the information you can get your hands on about the Orthodox Christian religion, but it won’t have a special meaning to you unless you experience it for yourselves. This is why you should attend as many church serves as you can! The Divine Liturgy and other Orthodox Church services are special and unique. Attending services will definitely help you on your journey.

Follow Instructions

When you visit your priest, he will likely have a specific set of instructions that you will need to follow in order to convert. Be sure to follow them exactly! Since each situation is different, it is hard to say 100% what the process is. You might need to become baptized at some point, but this will all be up to the priest.

Those who are looking to convert to Orthodoxy are referred to as catechumens. If you want to convert, make sure to speak with a priest so that you can know what to do!

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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The truth is, once you understand all the basics, your time in the Greek church will feel enjoyable and enriching. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the Orthodox Church so that you can understand what is really going on while you are there:

Overview of the Orthodox Faith

Are you looking for some clarity as to how the Orthodox Faith works? This overview will tell you all the basics and give you information about topics such as Holy Scripture, the Sacraments, and the Nicene Creed.  There are certain elements that are important to the life of an Orthodox Christian and this article touches on many of them.

Understanding the Bible Readings

While you’re attending an Orthodox Church service, you may notice that they read from scripture throughout the service. There are different types of readings, such as the Epistle and Gospel Reading. Each of these readings have been carefully selected according to the Canons of the church.

Using Incense in the Street

Another thing you will notice while walking into the Greek church is the scent of incense. Orthodox priests use incense at key parts of the service. It is important to the Greek church that our presence in the church involves all the senses, and using incense is part of the experience. Its use is also traced to the Psalms in the Bible, where we are told to life our prayers up like incense (Psalms 141:2).

Get to Know Holy Communion

Holy Communion is an important part of the Greek Church, and this is one of the most important moments in the Divine Liturgy service. This is an important sacrament and it has its roots in the Last Supper that took place before Jesus was crucified. For those who are able, it is a good idea to take communion as often as possible.

Using Holy Icons

The first thing you might notice when walking into a Greek church are the religious icons. Not only that, but a typical Orthodox household includes plenty of icons on display. Orthodox Christians consider icons to be windows of their faith. The icons serve as reminders about the stories of the Bible, the people of the Bible, as well as the various Saints that have been in existence throughout the ages.

If you have any questions about the Orthodox Church, you should consult with a Greek Orthodox priest.

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Beyond that, however, Orthodox Christians study the Bible on their own. How do they know which Bible to use? Here’s more information on how to choose the right Bible:

No Official English Translation

Did you know that the Orthodox Church hasn’t officially recognized an English translation of the Bible? Getting approval for a Bible is a difficult task, and the Orthodox Church hasn’t gone through the process for the English language as of yet. However, there are ways to work around it.

For the most part, Orthodox Christians often stick to the officially prescribed daily readings that the church plans in advance. You can easily obtain a reading list from your church that will help. There is also a Bible known as the Greek Orthodox Study Bible that a lot of people use. Whether you decide to use this Bible or not is completely up to you. You should talk this over with your priest whether or not you should use it.

Differences in the Greek Bible

The church recognizes certain versions of the Bible, and the Bible used in the Orthodox Church is different than others that are used. The version of the Bible that is used includes the Septuagint, which is an established version of all the books in the Old Testament, the Apocryphal works (which aren’t accepted in other Christian denominations), and established books in the New Testament. Sure, you can easily find English translations of all these books, it’s just that none had been written in English.

When it comes to deciding which Bible to read, you should really consult with your priest to see what he recommends. It could be that your best bet when reading scripture is to stick with the daily readings. You might also find that the Orthodox Study Bible will suit your needs just fine. The goal is to find the best version for your needs!

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Are you interested in converting into Orthodox Christianity? People all have their different reasons for wanting to convert. The process begins by consulting with an Orthodox priest. Here is more information about this:

Definition of Catachumen

Here is the definition of catechumen, according to Webster’s Dictionary:

• Christian convert under instruction before baptism

The key part of the definition here is “under instruction.” When someone is interested in becoming an Orthodox Christians they typically first begin by consulting with an Orthodox priest, who will then tell them what they need to do in order to become baptized/chrismated. They will likely need to undergo instruction about what it means to be Orthodox and also learn about the Orthodox beliefs before they are able to convert.

Catachumens Through the Centuries

When the church first started, catachumens underwent a slightly different process than what goes on now. Back then, they entered into an established period of instruction that usually lasted about three years. Now, the process is a little different and varies depending on the situation. Now, the process usually takes anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, depending on the nature of the situation. It is important to talk to a priest to see what you need to do in order to become baptized and chrismated into the Orthodox Church.

If you are interested in converting to Orthodox Christianity, you should first start by taking with an Orthodox Priest. From there, he will tell you the steps you need to take in order to become an Orthodox Christian.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki – Catachumen

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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What Orthodox Christians Believe

Orthodox Christians believe that through Holy Communion they are receiving the body (bread) and blood (wine) of Christ.

Here’s what Clement of Alexandria, one of the Church Fathers, has said about it:

Eat my flesh,’ [Jesus] says, ‘and drink my blood.’ The Lord supplies us with these intimate nutrients, he delivers over his flesh and pours out his blood, and nothing is lacking for the growth of his children.

This is something that is traced to the Lord’s Supper. Jesus said in Mark 14:22-25:

²² While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” ²³ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. ²⁴ He said to them, “This is my blood of the^[c] covenant, which is poured out for many. ²⁵ Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Priest Prepares the Eucharist During the Divine Liturgy

In Orthodox Christianity, we are essentially following Jesus’s instructions. There is a process that the priests undergo during the service in order for this to happen, though. The process is often referred to as “consecration.:

Before the service begins, the priest makes some initial preparations with the bread and wine that will be used for Holy Communion. He recites special passages relating to Christ and His sacrifices while cutting the bread, and he also prays. The bread and wine will both be consecrated during the service.

The first part of the service is referred to as “The Word” and this is the section where we typically see the Epistle and Gospel readings. The main goal of this part of the Liturgy is to be fed the Word of God. This part essentially prepares us for the next section of the service.

The next part of the Divine Liturgy service is referred to as “The Sacrifice.” In this part, we are sufficiently prepared to accept His Sacrifice because we were fed the Word of God. This part of the service begins with the Cherubic Hymn and ends with Holy Communion. During this part, the wine and bread are consecrated in preparation for Holy Communion.

The last part of the service is focused on offering Thanksgiving, receiving a blessing, and then the service is concluded.

As you can see, the priest prepares the Eucharist throughout the service and while that occurs, the congregation also prepares by participating in the Divine Liturgy. If you have questions, please consult with your priest.

Source:

OrthodoxWiki – Eucharist 

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Those of us who attend church on the East Coast of the United States may notice that the setting here is incredibly formal, while those attending Greek church services on the West Coast may not feel the need to dress up as much.

So, do you need to get dressed up when you attend a Greek Orthodox Church Service? Here are some insights that will help you decide:

Dressing Up Is a Tradition

When considering whether or not you need to dress up to go to church, it helps to understand that this is a church tradition, not something that was mandated by the Church Fathers. That being said, from an etiquette standpoint, it is a good idea to follow the customs of the church you are attending.

Even in Greece where it might be a little less formal, there still may be some rules to follow in terms of how to dress. Some churches in Greece don’t allow women to enter they church unless they are wearing a skirt, for example. It helps to figure out what these customs are.

If you are attuning a Greek church in another country, like the United States, it is much better to dress up until you understand the customs of that particular church. In some churches everyone might be dressed in business casual, whereas in another, people might be even more dressed up than that.

Understand What the Church Service Is

The church service you attend will affect what you were. Are you attending a regular Sunday Divine Liturgy or a smaller service held during the week? Are you attending a special event, such as a wedding or Christening? Services that are held during the week tend to be a lot more casual, especially since people are often attending church after work, and they might not have time to go home to change.

Sunday Divine Liturgy Services are usually well attended, which means that this is the prime time to dress according to the customs of the church. The same goes for wedding and Christenings. These services tend to be special family events, and there are often receptions being held in somewhat formal settings. You’ll want to wear your nicer clothes when attending these.

It is important to understand that the guidelines on how to dress for a Greek church service will depend on a variety of factors. It is a good idea to follow the customs laid out by the church.

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Selecting which scriptures are being read on a given day isn’t an accident. This is something that is carefully thought out. Here’s more information about how we find the different types of readings in the Greek church:

Lectionary

Webster’s Dictionary defines lectionary as “a book or list of lections for the church year.” A “lection” is defined as “a liturgical reading for a particular day.” Each reading that you encounter in the Orthodox Christian Church for a given day had been predetermined by the church. The readings were hand selected with specific purposes in mind and they are designed to follow the events of the church year and to celebrate different things from the Bible and from Church History. Each Epistle and Gospel reading that is selected comes from this lectionary.

Divine Liturgy

There are usually two types of readings that are found in the Divine Liturgy service, which is the typical service that is done on Sunday mornings and often other times during the week. These are the Epistle Readings and the Gospel Readings. Both the Epistle and Gospel have their own Lectionary and both are usually done towards the beginning of the service.

The Epistle is read by someone who had been hand selected by the congregation and the parish usually sits when it is being read. Shortly after, the Gospel is read by a priest or someone else who had been ordained, like a deacon on bishop. Each Divine Liturgy service has a different selection of readings that are chosen according to the church calendar.

When you arrive at church, you don’t need to guess as to which readings will be told during the service. You can find the information online and most churches actually provide the information for you, either by the priest announcing it or because it is written on a handout that you grab when walking into the church. If you have further questions about this, you should ask your priest or other clergy member.

Source:

Lectionary – Orthodox Wiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Here’s a look at some of the top customs and traditions you should understand while in a Greek church:

Etiquette to Know

There are certain rules of etiquette that should be followed while you’re in an Orthodox Church. These rules of etiquette aren’t necessarily dictated by the church, but they are customs that people seem to adhere to in the Greek church. For example, the service is very solemn and it is considered to be in bad taste if you talk to people while the service is going on.

Lighting Candles

One thing that you might notice when entering a Greek church is the use of candles. One of the main places where there are candles is right after you enter the church in an area referred to as the narthex. Here, you give a donation when taking a candle, light one for yourself, and place it with the rest of the candles before paying respect to the icons nearby.

When to Stand and Sit

People seem to spend the whole time while in the service standing and sitting. There is a pattern to it, but it is a little tricky to what that pattern is if you aren’t used to it. For the most part, you will want to follow the lead of those around you. The priest may also tell give you cues as to when you should be standing or sitting.

Use of Incense During the Service

Being in a Greek church service is an experience that involves multiple senses, and the sense of smell is one of them. Incense is a regular and integral part of the church service because of this. The practice is reminiscent of this verse from Psalms: May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:2).

Saying the Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed, also referred to as the Declaration of Faith, is also an important part of the church service. Basically, this was a carefully developed statement that came out of the Council of Nicea. It has been changed a handful of time over the centuries. It summarizes exactly what the Orthodox Christian beliefs really are.

Use of Icons in the Orthodox Church

Orthodox churches are extremely visual, thanks to the regular use of religious iconography. There are icons located in several key areas, such as when you walk in the church and at the front of the church. Each icon tells a story and these stories are taken from the Bible and the lives of the saints.

As you can see, there are some interesting customs and traditions that are part of the Greek church. It is a good idea to learn about them as part of your experience with the church!

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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One thing that people miss while watching a church service at home is interacting with other parishioners. However, you can also do this at home by hosting a virtual coffee hour!

Here’s some advice on tips for Greek Orthodox churches to take their Sunday Coffee Hour online:

Find a Way to Host the Coffee Hour

You first need some type of software in order to host the coffee hour. You should consider one that is compatible with both mobile devices and computers or laptops. This will make it possible for as many people to attend as possible. You should also ensure that the software used can accommodate as many people as you want to attend. Try to use a software that also allows for face-to-face interaction as well, such as Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype.

Decide if There Will Be a Theme

Will you need a theme for your coffee hour, or is this just a way to allow people to talk to one another? A theme can give people a sense of what people can expect at the virtual coffee hour. You can opt to select a topic to discuss or let people know in advance what the goal of the conversation is. There’s nothing wrong with letting the conversation evolve! However theme, overall, will provide a sense of structure to the virtual party so it does not just feel like a time for everyone to simply chat.

Treat it like a Real Coffee Hour

Make sure you treat your virtual coffee hour like it’s really occurring in person! This will promote a certain sense of excitement and emotion surrounding your party that will be at the same level as it would a real party. Allot for invitations, dress codes and even plan activities just as you would for an in-person party.

Appoint a Host for the Coffee Hour

At a typical coffee hour, people spend a fair amount of time mingling. However, in a virtual setting, this might be a little difficult. Appointing a host for the coffee hour can help the conversation flow better. It can also enable people to feel included and prevent a handful of people from dominating the conversation. The host can be in charge of keeping the piece and allowing the conversation to flow in a natural way.

Manage the Guest List

Make sure, as mentioned above, that your virtual coffee hour can accommodate the number of people you want to attend by the software that you utilize. Also, keep the guest list specific to the types of guests you want to invite, whether they are your work friends, best friends or family members to name a few ideas. Make sure that the activities, dress code and overall party atmosphere adhere to the individuals that you are inviting as well.

A virtual coffee can be just as an in-person one when logistics are thought out!. Make sure you develop a guest list that caters to the best software that you choose. Host the coffee hour in the way that works best for you, and be sure to keep the excitement going with excellent conversation.

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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The very fact that some churches actually broadcast their services means that there is a need for this type of service. Those who are unable to attend church, no matter the reason, need to find a way to bring church into their lives.

Here’s more information about whether or not it is okay to actually stream a Greek Orthodox Church Service:

It’s Not Always Possible to Gather Publicly to Worship

There was a time when Christians were regularly persecuted. Although Christians have proclaimed their faith when faced with persecution, there has also been a need to worship somewhat privately. Church services were held in private locations, such as as people’s homes, in caves, and in other community locations. Whether this was because there simply wasn’t a public church or because they lived in a region where Christians were regularly persecuted, it is important to remember that there have been times where Christians weren’t gathering publicly to worship.

Getting the Most Out of Online Streaming of a Church Service

Let’s just assume that you are unable to attend church for whatever reason. It may feel strange watching a church service online rather than attend in person, and it take some getting used to. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t feel spiritually fulfilled! Here are some tips that can help you get the most of it:

• Give the service your full attention. While home, it is tempting to let things distract your attention. You might be tempted to watch the service while doing some of your chores, reading something, or playing with your phone. If you focus on the service without multi-tasking, you’ll get more out of it.
• Get dressed for the day. If you are forced to watch a service from home, you may be tempted to do so in your lounging clothes. You might want to try getting dressed as if you were leaving your house as a way of treating this time as sacred time!
• Light incense and gather your icons. If you have incense and religious icons at home, you may want to bring them near you while the service is going on. Light some incense so the smell can remind you of being in church. Your icons can also increase the feeling that you are actually in church.

If it comes down to stream a service or don’t participate in church  at all, streaming is the much better option. This is why many churches offer a streaming service. Not only that, but what if you were going through a time where people were unable to gather in a formalized church setting? Watching the service at home is much better option than missing out.

Visit our page to see how you can stream a Greek Orthodox Church service online during the Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak!

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However, knowing when to sit, stand, and kneel is only part of it. There are specific reasons as to why each of these occur during the service. Here’s more information:

Standing

Generally speaking, we stand during the Divine Liturgy most of the time, and this is how things have been done since the early days of the church. However, the amount of standing that takes place during the service could vary depending on where you are. In some countries, there aren’t even really seats or pews in the church except for a few. In these countries, it is usually those who are physically unable to stand for long periods of time who occupy the chairs. Everyone else has a tendency to stand. In other countries, sitting for longer periods of time is more acceptable.

Sitting

As mentioned above, the preference is for Orthodox Christians to stand in the church for the majority of the time. However, we do sit at times, and this could depend on the traditions of your church and also depend on which country you are in. It also depends on whether or not you are actually physically able to stand. In general it is recommended to stand at key parts of the service, such as when the Gospel is being read and during Holy Communion.

Kneeling

In most Orthodox Church services, people usually kneel only in one spot – during the Consecration of the Holy Gifts. This is the moment of the service when the bread and wine for Holy Communion become the body and blood of Christ. For more information about this part of the service or this principal, you’ll want to talk it over with your priest.

If you have any questions concerning whether you should sit, stand, or kneel during the Orthodox Christian Church Service, you should really ask your priest for clarification. If you can’t seem to figure out what you are supposed to do, you can’t go wrong by standing, unless it’s during the part of the service where everyone is kneeling during the Consecration of the Holy Gifts.

Sources:

Orthodox Wiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Have you ever wondered why Orthodox services have altar boys, also known as Acolytes, in the first place? Here’s more information about them:

What Are Altar Boys?

Altar boys, also known as acolytes, are unordained males whose purpose it is to assist the priests and deacons during the service. Although the priest could technically perform most of the duties needed for the service himself, it makes things a lot easier to have the altar boys take on some of the tasks.

For example, the altar boys could prepare the charcoal and incense prior to when the priest needs to cense during the service. They could also light candles, hold crosses,, hold the bread, and walk in processions around the church. Their main function is to assist the priest during the service.

Honoring the Tradition of Altar Boys

Having altar boys to participate in the church services isn’t necessary. It is a nice tradition, but the services could be performed without them. In fact, there are those who believe that using altar boys is a somewhat outdated practice that is falling out of favor. In many Greek Orthodox Churches in the United States, however, this tradition is still alive and well. It is up to the individual churches whether or not acolytes will be utilized.

If a church does have altar boys, they need to follow a certain code that has been adopted by the church. These rules insure that the altar boys are performing their duties well and are respectful of the traditions they uphold. For example, the church has standards concerning how thy will act, what they will wear, and the types of duties that are being performed.

It’s true that the Greek Orthodox Church uses altar boys. This tradition is an ancient one dating back to the early days of Christianity and it still continues today.

Source:

Acolyte – OrthodoxWiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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As you can see, icons do have an important place in the Orthodox Church, but what is the significance of them exactly? Here’s more information:

Father of Iconography

Iconography has been a part of the Orthodox Christian tradition since the early days of Christianity. It has been said that the Apostle Luke was the first official iconographer. In fact, he is often referred to as the Father of Iconography. It is thought that he started painting these icons, mostly of the Theotokos (three of them), shortly after Saint Paul was martyred. He also painted images of Saint Paul and Saint Peter. In addition to painting these images, he spent a fair amount of time preaching. He was eventually martyred when he was in his 80’s.

Purpose and History of Icons

Icons are considered to be an integral part of the Orthodox Christian Church. Not only do they serve to remind us of the people and stories of the Bible, but they are also used in prayer. However, they weren’t always as accepted as they are now. During the days of an event known as the Iconoclast Controversy, which took place first from 730 – 787 AD and then again from 813 -843 AD, icons were banned and even burned because there were those who felt that using them was against Christianity. It was the Empress Theodora who eventually restored the use of icons on the Orthodox Church in 843 AD. This is known as the Triumph of Orthodoxy, and she is often referred to as Theodora the Iconodule or the Righteous Theodora.

Venerating Icons

Today, Orthodox Christians go through a practice referred to as venerating the icons. This is considered to be a part of church etiquette, especially for those icons that are located by the candles in the Narthex or at the beginning of the Nave. When standing in front of the icon, you simply make the sign of the cross and kiss a place on the icon. If the icon is of Jesus Christ or someone else, such as the Theotokos, you make sure that you don’t kiss the face. If there is a hand, your goal is to aim for that! If it is an event, you can kiss anywhere on the image.

Icons are considered to be windows into heaven and are simply representative of the people or events that they depict. It is a good idea to pay them the proper respect when you walk into the church!

Source:

Iconography – OrthodoxWiki

Apostle Luke – OrthodoxWiki

Iconoclasm – OrthodoxWiki

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Different Types of Vesper Services

There are a few types of vesper services that people could attend, and it all depends on the nature of the service and even the time of year. Here’s a look at the types of services:

• Great Vespers. These services have specific elements that follow a certain order. For example, these vespers always start with the priest saying, “Blessed is our God.” The Great Vespers usually take place on Saturdays and on the eve of certain feast days.
• Daily Vespers. These are similar to the Great Vespers, but they are considered to be an abbreviated version. These services end with something that is referred to as the, “Little Dismissal”, which is a briefer version of the dismissal that takes place during the Great Vespers.
• Small Vespers. These are usually used when the All-Night Vigils are going to be done. The Small Vespers also follow a certain structure and they differ from the Great Vespers and the Daily Vespers.

In the above, these vespers are called the “basic forms”. There are also vespers that take place during certain occasions, such as Lenten Daily Vespers, Lenten Sunday Vespers, Forgiveness Vespers, Vespers of the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Vespers of Holy Friday, Agape Vespers, and the Kneeling Vespers.

In general, the vesper services are designed to remind us of the days of the Old Testament, where God created the world and then when original sin came to be. These services are solemn and follow a specific program according to the type of service that it is.

Source:

Vespers – Orthodox Wiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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It is well understood that the goal of any Orthodox Christian is to become as close to perfect as we can, and we use Jesus Christ as our model of what perfection really is. In the Orthodox Church, sacraments exist as ways to help us achieve this perfection.

For example, in the Sacrament of Confession, we are called to confess our sins so that we can be repent and be forgiven.  The sacraments also give us a way to participate in the faith on a regular basis. They are an integral part of the regular life of a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Some sacraments, such as chrismation and baptism, are only performed once. Others are considered essential, such as baptism, chrismation, confession, and communion. The sacraments of marriage and Holy Orders are not essential. Here is an overview of what the Seven Sacraments are.

Baptism

Baptism is typically performed on an infant and is done only ones. In it, the infant is submerged in water. Its purpose is to purify and wash away the stain of original sin in the holy water. If the individual is older, it also washes away any sins committed prior to baptism. Once baptized, the individual has a new life as a Christian.

Chrismation

This is performed at the Christening after baptism. In it, the child is anointed with oil known as “miron” which has been blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch. Through it, the individual is given the gifts of the Holy Spirit. During Chrismation, three locks of hair are taken, which signify the individual’s thankfulness and gratitude for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Communion

Communion is first given at the Christening. After that, we are able to take it whenever we are able. Holy Communion was given to us by Jesus at the Lord’s Supper and is a gift at every Divine Liturgy service. The wine and bread that are given to us to mystically become the body and blood of Christ.

Marriage

Marriage is one of those sacraments that are completely optional. Through it, man and woman are joined in a sacred union where they commit their lives, and their children’s lives, to God.

Confession

Confession is an important part of the Orthodox faith because sin creates a barrier between God and us. In confessing our sins, we close that barrier and commit to a life where we are always striving to be like Christ. Since he was perfect and we aren’t, regular confession is a necessity so that we can get closer to God.

Holy Unction

As Orthodox Christians, we believe that God has the power to heal us. With Holy Unction, the Holy Spirit is asked to bless the olive oil. Individuals are anointed with the oil to help heal their minds and bodies of any sicknesses with which they may be struggling. It’s usually done during the Wednesday of Holy Week.

Holy Orders

Holy Orders occur when someone is entering the Orthodox clergy. Though is a sacrament, it isn’t a requirement. To enter into the clergy is to serve God, which is a divine calling. The clergy, however, is only a profession for men. Women can serve the church in other ways.

Do you have questions about any of these sacraments, or do you need help understanding what a sacrament is in general? Please consider asking your priest or other clergy member for more information.

Source:

Holy Mysteries – OrthodoxWiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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Celebrating Name Days for Individuals

In Greece, it isn’t uncommon for a person’s name day to be more highly celebrated than their own birthdays. One of the reasons for this is that during Turkish occupation, it was very difficult for the Greek people to know personal facts, such as birthdays. The Turkish where notorious for not keeping great records and that is why even to this day, it is difficult for a Greek family to accurately track their ancestral information. Because of this difficult, the Greek people began celebrating their name days as a replacement for their birthday.

When a person is baptized, they (or their family, depending on their ages), declares a special name. This means that the name on a person’s birth certificate could be different than the baptismal name. However, most do seem to give the name that they were given at birth. This is the name that the church recognizes during sacraments, such as marriage and Holy Communion. As such, this name is looked at as important, which is another reason why people celebrate their name days.

Celebrating Name Days for Churches

It is also very common for churches to celebrate their name days. When a church is established, it is named after a saint or an important feast day. Each year, the church celebrates their name day on the saint’s day or the church’s feast day. For example, churches named after the Transfiguration would celebrate their name day on August 6th of each year.

Celebrating a Name Day is a tradition amongst month Orthodox Christian cultures. Individuals and cultures can both celebrate it and traditions vary depending on the country. If a church has a name day, it is observed during the particular feast day or church service that takes place on that day. Individuals celebrate their name days during the feast day of the particular saint they are named after. In some Orthodox cultures, the name day is even more highly regarded than a birthday!

Sources:

OrthodoxWiki – Name Day

Wikipedia – Name Day

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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The aroma is due to the incense that is used during a typical Orthodox Church service. Besides making the church small nice, there is also a religious significance to using it. Here’s a look at why we use incense in Orthodox Churches:

What is Incense?

Incense is a scented material derived from plants. The typical process of creating incense is to grind the organic material in a fine powder, such as an herb, flower, or resin. This material is mixed with a binding agent, such as powdered orris root, and then moistened with something wet, such as rosewater or distilled water. It is then rolled into cones or packed against an incense stick.

The incense is dried thoroughly before using, otherwise it won’t burn. Typically in the Orthodox Church, incense cones are used. In order to provide the heat needed to allow the cones to burn, a special type of charcoal is used. You also may burn resin, such as Frankincense or Myrrh, directly in an incense burner using charcoal without taking the extra step of mixing it with a binding agent.

Churches often get their incense and charcoal from special suppliers and maybe even monasteries where the monks or nuns make their own. Typical scents that are used include Frankincense, Myrrh, and Rose.

Why Do Orthodox Churches Use Incense?

Using incense is something that predated Christianity and was referenced in the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 140, Verse 2 says, “Let my prayer be set forth before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Using it was also mentioned in the Old Testament book of Exodus.

Today, Orthodox Christians use incense throughout the church services. The priest “censes” certain areas at certain parts of the liturgy. The incense is placed inside a device known as a “censor”, which is fairly ornate in appearance and has bells on it so that we not only smell the fragrance, but hear the jingling sound as the priest uses it. This action is meant to remind us that are prayers are rising to the heavens to be heard by God.

Typically, censing occurs in several instances during the Divine Liturgy. For example, the priest censes the Holy Altar at certain places in the service. We also cense in front of icons in order to bless then. Sometimes, the priest will cense towards the congregation, which is also looked at as a way to give the congregation a blessing. Mostly, the act of censing is symbolic and is poised to remind us of God’s presence.

As you can see, incense is an important part of the Orthodox Christian service. It helps us engage more of our senses during the church service and also reminds us that God is listening to us and that our prayers are lifted up “as incense.”

Source:

Incense – OrthodoxWiki

The Religion section on GreekBoston.com was written by Greeks to help people understand some of the traditions of the Orthodox Christian religion, which is a religion practiced by people in countries such as Greece, Russia, United States, and other nations throughout the world. This article is not a substitute for information found in the Holy Bible or by our church fathers, priests, and other clergy members.

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