Divine Liturgy

About the Liturgy

In the Divine Liturgy section, the hymns of the Divine Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great are given. Selected hymns of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts are placed in the chapter "Hymns from the services of the Lenten Triodion".

The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the Orthodox Church throughout the year, except for Great Lent, when it is celebrated on Saturdays, on the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and on the Sunday of Vai.

The Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated 10 times a year: on Sunday of Great Lent, on Great Thursday and Saturday, on the feast day of St. Basil the Great (January 1), on Christmas and Epiphany Eve (if these days fall on Saturday or Sunday, then it is celebrated on the very feasts of the Nativity of Christ and the Baptism of the Lord).

The Liturgy consists of three parts: the Proskomedia, the Liturgy of the Catechumens, and the Liturgy of the Faithful.

Proskomedia

Before the reading of the Third and Sixth Hours, or during the reading of them, the sacraments of the Proskomedia are performed in the altar, through which the substance for the Holy Mysteries is prepared from the bread and wine brought. Eucharist, and at the same time a preliminary commemoration of the members of the Church of Christ, heavenly and earthly, is performed. From the ancient custom of bringing bread and wine to church for the sacrament of the Holy Spirit. The first part of the Liturgy is called the proskomedia, the offering.

Liturgy of the Catechumens

The second part of the Liturgy is called the Liturgy of the Catechumens. This part of the service received this name from the content in its composition of prayers, hymns, sacred actions and teachings of a didactic, catechetical nature. In the ancient Church, during its celebration, there could be present, together with the faithful, catechumens, i.e. persons preparing for Holy Communion. Baptism, as well as penitents excommunicated from Holy Communion. Communion.