by John Nichiporuk There are quite a few church awards for clergy in the Russian Orthodox Church. These awards are intended to acknowledge the skill and hard work of the priest in his ministry for the glory of God and His Holy Church. Little by little, a certain hierarchy of awards has evolved. … [Read more...]
The Omophorion
The omophorion is an integral part of the bishop’s liturgical vestment. It is by this liturgical vestment that believers recognize holy hierarchs on icons. What is the origin of this item of vestment, how is it used during worship, and what does it symbolize? Origin The omophorion (Greek: … [Read more...]
The Epitrahilion
by John Nichiporuk One of the main attributes of an Orthodox priest during a divine service is the epitrachelion. It is worn during all sacraments and ceremonies. What is the historical background of this liturgical item and its symbolic meaning? The Prototype of Epitrachelion in Antiquity The … [Read more...]
What is The Pledge?
When a priest is being ordained, the bishop hands over to him the so-called Pledge (Greek: παρακαταθήκη), a particle of the Body of Christ. This term has sometimes been used in Byzantine liturgical terminology to refer to the Holy Gifts. The priest must hold this Pledge with fear and trembling, … [Read more...]
During Times of Plague, Priests Do What Priests Need To Do
by Terry Mattingly The second wave of influenza in the fall of 1918 was the worst yet. By the time Father Nicola Yanney reached Wichita, Kansas, a citywide quarantine was in effect. A 16-year-old girl had already died, creating a sense of panic. The missionary priest -- his territory reached … [Read more...]
Make Men Masculine Again
In an Oprah-fied society, men are the villains, and manhood is the enemy. On the contrary, the Church needs men - not confused boys, pajama boys or 'beta males', for the leadership of Christ's Church. Passive men don't do the things that the Church, or society, needs men to do. Masculine men do. … [Read more...]
How and Why Did the Entrance Prayers Come into Being?
by John Nichiporuk Everyone who comes to the church early enough to attend the Divine Liturgy may see the clergy doing the so-called entrance prayers. What are they, when did they appear, and what is their purpose? Purpose Entrance prayers are a special short prayer sequence performed by … [Read more...]
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