The ABCs of Orthodoxy
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Transcript of The ABCs of Orthodoxy
Father Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. Recachinas
The ABCs ofThe ABCs ofThe ABCs ofThe ABCs of
OrthodoxyOrthodoxyOrthodoxyOrthodoxy
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With much love and my prayers, I dedicate this work to With much love and my prayers, I dedicate this work to With much love and my prayers, I dedicate this work to With much love and my prayers, I dedicate this work to all those who thirst to know the truth of our Orthodox all those who thirst to know the truth of our Orthodox all those who thirst to know the truth of our Orthodox all those who thirst to know the truth of our Orthodox
Faith.Faith.Faith.Faith.
Father Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. RecachinasFather Demetrios A. Recachinas 1996, 2010
Booklet Design by: Vicky Andriotis -2007 For information about obtaining additional copies of this booklet, please contact: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Phone: (203) 374-5561 Fax: (203) 374-5770
E-mail: [email protected] On the Web: www.holytrinitybridgeport.org
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ContentsContentsContentsContents AKATHIST HYMN ..............................................................................5 ANGELS................................................................................................5 APOSTLES............................................................................................6 ARTOKLASIA......................................................................................6 BAPTISM..............................................................................................7 BASIL (Vasiliko) FLOWER .................................................................7 BEATITUDES.......................................................................................8 CHRISMATION (CONFIRMATION)..................................................8 CREMATION........................................................................................9 CROSS...................................................................................................9 DEATH................................................................................................10 DEVIL .................................................................................................10 DIVINE LITURGY .............................................................................10 DIVORCE............................................................................................11 DRUGS................................................................................................12 FASTING ............................................................................................12 FUNERALS.........................................................................................13 GOD.....................................................................................................14 THE GOLDEN RULE.........................................................................15 HEAVEN is PARADISE.....................................................................15 HOLY BIBLE......................................................................................16 HOLY CONFESSION or (Penance)....................................................18 HOLY TRINITY .................................................................................18 HOLY UNCTION ...............................................................................19 HOLY WATER - (Agiasmos) .............................................................19 ICONS .................................................................................................20 IKONOSTASION (Altar Screen) ........................................................20 INCENSE (Livani) ..............................................................................21 J E S U S ..............................................................................................22 KNEELING .........................................................................................23 LENT ...................................................................................................23 LORD'S PRAYER...............................................................................23 MARRIAGE (Matrimony)...................................................................24 MEMORIALS .....................................................................................26 MIRACLES .........................................................................................27 NICENE CREED.................................................................................28 ORTHODOXY ....................................................................................28
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PARABLES.........................................................................................29 PATRIARCHATES.............................................................................29 PRAYER..............................................................................................30 PRIESTHOOD.....................................................................................31 PROSFORON BREAD .......................................................................32 SACRAMENTS...................................................................................33 SARANTISMOS (Churching women after childbirth)........................34 SECOND COMING ............................................................................34 SIN.......................................................................................................35 VASKANIA (EVIL EYE) ...................................................................36 VESPERS ............................................................................................37
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-Answers to your Questions-
AKATHIST HYMNAKATHIST HYMNAKATHIST HYMNAKATHIST HYMN
Is a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary and sung during the
first five Fridays of Lent. The Greek term "Akathist" means
"not permitted to sit".
The Infidels attacked the capital of Christianity,
Constantinople so the people gathered to pray to Virgin
Mary to intercede and help them save their precious city.
The miracle of their prayers, courage and strength drove the
enemy away.
The people's prayers (composed of 24 verses) to the Virgin
Mary, in thanksgiving and appreciation, was conducted all
night by the congregation standing in penance throughout
the night; thus this service is known as the Akathist Hymn.
ANGELSANGELSANGELSANGELS
Are pure spirits created assist God in sending messages
from God to Man and are also appointed as our guardians.
Everyone of us has a Guardian Angel.
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APOSTLESAPOSTLESAPOSTLESAPOSTLES
The Greek word for "apostle" means messenger. The
mission of the Apostles was to carry on with authority
Christs' Gospel, and they were sent out to preach and
baptize and convert all over the world.
There were twelve (12) Apostles:
Simon Peter Matthew Judas
Andrew Thomas James
John Simon James
Phillip Bartholomew
Judas Iscariot
ARTOKLASIAARTOKLASIAARTOKLASIAARTOKLASIA
Is the preparation of five (5) special loaves of bread; a
reminder of the miracle of feeding 5,000 people with 5
loaves of bread when Jesus preached in the desert.
Our Priest, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, offers prayers
of thanksgiving for those who prepared and offered the
loaves and for all the people present in church.
After the service, the bread is cut up and distributed to the
people.
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BAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISMBAPTISM
Is a Sacrament. It is a Holy Ceremony and Faith in Christ is
required.
The Priest performs the ceremony and calls upon the Holy
Spirit to sanctify the water, then he submerges the person to
be baptized three (3) times in the name of the Holy Trinity
(Father, Son and the Holy spirit).
BASIL (VBASIL (VBASIL (VBASIL (VASILIKOASILIKOASILIKOASILIKO) FLOWER) FLOWER) FLOWER) FLOWER
Basil is the flower of the Cross and of the Greek Orthodox
Church.
It is believed that a cluster of sweet basil sprouted on the
spot where the Cross was found. St. Helen, mother of
Constantine the Emperor, set out to locate the Holy Cross
in Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified. They looked
everywhere. Finally they were guided to a spot by the
fragrant aroma of the vasilikos, where after digging, the
Holy Cross was found.
From that time on, it has become the consecrated flower of
the Cross. Basil is used on the Feast Day of the Elevation
of the Cross and whenever the Holy Water (Agiasmos)
service is performed.
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BEATITUDESBEATITUDESBEATITUDESBEATITUDES
They are known as the "string of pearls" which adorn the
crowning of Christian ethics -- to mold the character of the
Christian.
� Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their's is the
kingdom of heaven.
� Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be
comforted.
� Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
earth.
� Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
righteousness: for they shall be filled.
� Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain
mercy.
� Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
� Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God.
� Blessed are they which are persecuted for
righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.
CHRISMATION (CONFIRMATION)CHRISMATION (CONFIRMATION)CHRISMATION (CONFIRMATION)CHRISMATION (CONFIRMATION)
Chrismation (confirmation) is a Sacrament and is
performed immediately after Baptism, when the Priest
recites the prescribed prayers and anoints the eyes, nose,
mouth, ears for, the blessing of the senses; the breast and
the back, for the blessing of the heart and desires; the hands
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for all good works; and the feet for the blessing of the
going outs and coming ins.
Many do not realize that a newly baptized person receives
three sacraments, Baptism and Chrismation and Holy
Communion at the same time.
CREMATIONCREMATIONCREMATIONCREMATION
Our church does not allow Cremation. It is tradition and the
Christian and human sentiment that favors burial. In
addition, the burial of the body means the return to earth,
the "mother earth" according to the Divine Word, "For dust
thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return".
CROSSCROSSCROSSCROSS
The Orthodox Christians often cross themselves on their
body. This pious act is as ancient as the Church. It is
considered a silent declaration, like a prayer and a
confession of faith.
In crossing oneself you should bring together the three
fingers of your right'- hand signifying the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit and make the sign of the Cross and say
to yourself "In the name of the Father, and of the son and of
the Holy Spirit".
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DEATHDEATHDEATHDEATH
Death is a part and a fact of life. Just as flowers grow,
bloom wither and then die after a period of time, so too
MAN is born, grows up, lives and enjoys life and then ages,
(grows old and withered, becomes ill or lame) and then
passes away as flowers do and pass into Heaven and are
joined together with Christ Jesus and all those souls whom
you love in life.
DEVILDEVILDEVILDEVIL
The devil (Satan) is very real and present and constantly
striving to direct both our attention and time away from our
Creator, Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Whatever we say or think
or do that is un-Christ-like is yielding to the presence of the
devil. The devil is simply the source and force of evil.
DIVINE LITURGYDIVINE LITURGYDIVINE LITURGYDIVINE LITURGY
It is a sacred mystical action between God and Man. It
originated with the Last Supper. Divine Liturgy is the
culmination of public prayer. Liturgy came to signify the
performance of Holy communion. Divine Liturgy is the
most perfect form of worship. It is a. reenactment of the
Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.
Throughout the centuries the Divine Liturgy has preserved
its original features.
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� It is a Remembrance of the Life, the Cross, the
Resurrection and the Ascension of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
� It is a Sacrifice: "This is my body which is broken
for you ... This is my blood which is shed for you
and the many others ... for the remission of sins.
� It is a Communion "Take, eat, this is my body ...
Drink of it all ye, this is my blood ... Approaching
the Holy Cup we receive Christ in our hearts.
� It is a Eucharist: - a thanksgiving, to God the Father.
DIVORCEDIVORCEDIVORCEDIVORCE
The Orthodox Church strongly frowns on divorce. Our
saviour said, "What therefore God hath joined together, let
no man put asunder (Matt. 19:6)
There must be severe extenuating circumstances wherein
the Church very reluctantly awards special dispensation
from the bishop. The bishop or the proper ecclesiastical
authority will study the circumstances and after they are
found valid, permission or denial will be given.
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DRUGSDRUGSDRUGSDRUGS
Drug use is a violation upon the sacred body and soul of an
individual. It leads to a disastrous conclusion, usually
death.
It is difficult for an individual to do something that has
consequences upon him alone. Drugs don't affect the user
only , it also destroys those who love him. Inevitably it has
an impact on those close to him and those who depended
upon him.
FASTINGFASTINGFASTINGFASTING
Is the complete discipline of your thoughts, desire acts,
spoken word, plus restriction from certain foods.
You can receive Holy Communion if you fast only on
Wednesday and Friday provided you are worthy to receive.
That means that a person has no grave sin which would
make you unworthy to receive Communion.
We fast on Wednesday in remembrance of our Lord's
betrayal by Judas, and on Friday in remembrance of His
passion and death upon the Cross.
Periods of FASTING in our Church
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� ADVENT - The 40 days before Christmas, when
only fish is permitted but NOT meat or animal
products.
� GREAT LENT - The 50 days before Easter which
the Orthodox must abstain from fish and meat alike.
� FEAST OF THE APOSTLES - June 29-30 Only
fish is permitted a few days before the feast days.
� ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY - August
1 - 15,
� Orthodox people abstain from both meat and fish.
� ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST- Commemorating the
Martyrdom of St. John.
� EXALTATION OF THE CROSS- September 14
FUNERALSFUNERALSFUNERALSFUNERALS
Cemetery means "dormitory" or "sleeping ground" since
early Christians believed in immortality of the soul and that
the body is the temple of that soul during life.
The Orthodox practice is that the casket be open so that
family, relatives, and friends give their last earthly
goodbye.
The Holy Icon of the Resurrection is always venerated at
the wake and is placed just inside the rim of the casket.
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The casket is open facing the Holy Altar because this
funeral service is the last important time that the dead
person faces his church altar and because this is exclusively
his service. In the Orthodox Church there are three services
that belong exclusively to an Orthodox person. They are:
Baptism, Wedding and Funeral.
The Priest sings many psalms wherein he is speaking for
the deceased, pleading and supplicating to our God to
accept this Christian in a place of comfort, repose, safety
and grace.
The Priest blesses the grave in the name of the church and
dedicates the ground as sacred and begs the Father to grant
life of resurrection to the body buried there.
Q: Why is there a mercy meal after the funeral in the
cemetery?
A: It is based on tradition for the consolation of the family,
giving them strength and comfort. Fish is served for the
mourning
meal. Elaborate food should be avoided. This is a sad
occasion and
not a wedding feast.
GODGODGODGOD
GOD is a spirit, which means he cannot be seen by human
eyes. God is totally beyond our understanding that His
ways are not our ways and that faith demands a leap into
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the unknown and taking of a great risk in trusting that God
alone can give peace.
When we say that God is eternal, we mean that He always
has been and always will be, and always is. There was no
time when he was not. There is no past or future for Him.
He is not limited by space or time. He is present
everywhere. He is eternal.
THE GOLDEN RULETHE GOLDEN RULETHE GOLDEN RULETHE GOLDEN RULE
…is "so whatever you wish that men would do to you, do
so to them". (Matthew 7:12)
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your
strength". (Mark 2: 30) .
HEAVEN HEAVEN HEAVEN HEAVEN IS IS IS IS PARADISEPARADISEPARADISEPARADISE
It is the place where departed souls enjoy eternal peace
with GOD.
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HOLY BIBLEHOLY BIBLEHOLY BIBLEHOLY BIBLE
The Bible is divided in two parts: the Old Testament and
the New Testament.
The old Testament are the books written before the birth of
Christ.
The old Testament has 39 books
The New Testament are the books written after the birth of
Christ.
The New Testament has 27 books.
HOLY COMMUNION
Also known as the Holy Eucharist.
Holy Communion is a Sacrament. Holy communion is the
bread and wine consecrated on the altar during the Divine
Liturgy, through the Power of the Holy Spirit and faith, and
becomes the body and blood of Jesus; a miraculous event
that is beyond human description.
Communion is based on the Lord's Last Supper whereby he
offered his Disciples, the bread saying “This is my body
which is broken for you ...” and then offering wine saying,
"This is my blood which is shed f or you and the many
others .... for the remission of sins"
The first necessary step in preparation of Holy Communion
is: Confession (see paragraph on Confession in this
booklet).
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The second step is FASTING: (See paragraph on Fasting in
this booklet). Especially for COMMUNION, fast for one or
more days before you may receive Communion. Six hours
before Holy Communion - no food, or drink, (water
included).
The third step is: before going to Church for Communion,
children ask their parents to pardon and forgive them for
any bad actions, words, or conduct and the parents ask the
pardon of their children.
The fourth step is to take the Antidoron which is a little
cube of bread that the altar boy holds in his arms in an urn.
As you approach to receive communion, bless yourself
(and say to, yourself) "God forgive me for my sins." Give
your name to the Priest, place the red cloth under your chin
and after you receive, wipe yourself, bless yourself again
and quietly and orderly return to your seat for prayers of
thanksgiving.
Orthodox Christians receive Holy Communion at least 4
times a year: Christmas, Easter, the Feast of the Apostles
(June 29-30) and Feast of the Assumption (August 15th).
Communion should be received as often as the faithful
feels the need as long as he is adequately prepared.
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HOLY CONFESSION HOLY CONFESSION HOLY CONFESSION HOLY CONFESSION OR OR OR OR (P(P(P(PENANCEENANCEENANCEENANCE))))
Confession is a Sacrament. Confession before Communion
is necessary to cleanse ones soul of sins and receive
forgiveness.
The Priest is the person to whom the penitent (sinner) will
confess his sinful condition for it is the Priest that Christ
has given special power to forgive sin. The Priest preserves
absolutely the seal of confidence from a penitent.
HOLY TRINITYHOLY TRINITYHOLY TRINITYHOLY TRINITY
The Three Persons of the Holy Trinity are The Father, The
Son and The Holy Spirit. They do not function separately,
but TOGETHER.
The Holy Trinity is "One is essence, a single will, a single
word, a single power, a single authority because it is one
GOD.” (St. John 10:30).
There are three persons in the Holy Trinity because: The
FATHER is the Creator (created not born). He created the
world and all that is in it.
The Son was begotten of the Father but not through human
birth, but from the will of the Father
The Holy Spirit was not begotten, but proceeds from the
Father.
In the end G O D is O N E in ESSENCE.
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HOLY UNCTIONHOLY UNCTIONHOLY UNCTIONHOLY UNCTION
Holy Unction is a Sacrament. It is for the Spiritual and
bodily relief of MAN. Holy Unction is administered on
Wednesday of Holy Week, after Confession and in
preparation for Communion. It is also administered at times
of illness and at other times, for the healing of body and
soul.
The Priest performs Holy Unction when he anoints the
forehead, cheeks, chest, and hands. It is NOT used as "last
rites" for the dying. The Orthodox Christian receives Holy
Unction on Holy Wednesday every year of his life which
serves the purpose of healing a person's body and soul. This
Sacrament is also prepared privately at home whenever the
Priest is invited to do so.
HOLY WATER HOLY WATER HOLY WATER HOLY WATER ---- (A (A (A (AGIASMOSGIASMOSGIASMOSGIASMOS))))
It's purpose is to bless the water that will be used to bless
homes once a year.
We keep the Holy Water (Agiasmos) blessed during
Epiphany Day in small bottles to use throughout the year in
case of sickness when, we cannot receive Holy
Communion in Church.
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Traditionally our Greek Orthodox faithful have their homes
blessed during January for the New Year or any other time
they wish to do so-and especially if they move to a new
home.
ICONSICONSICONSICONS
Icons are used by the faithful as images of saints in order to
honor them but not to worship them, since only GOD is
worshiped.
As visible symbols, the Icons help the faithful to
communicate with GOD and the saints. Our church DOES
NOT consider Icons as idols but rather as symbols to teach
and to remind us of God and His church.
IKONOSTASION (AIKONOSTASION (AIKONOSTASION (AIKONOSTASION (ALTAR LTAR LTAR LTAR SSSSCREENCREENCREENCREEN))))
The Sanctuary is separated by a solid image-screen called
Ikonostas. The central opening is called the Royal Gate.
Through it, at Divine Liturgy, the Eucharist and
Communion (The Holy
Gifts) are brought forth. No un-ordained men or any
women may enter the Sanctuary at any time.
The least number of Icons on the Ikonostasio is six. They
are always placed in a specific order as follows:
Facing the Holy Altar on the right of the Royal Gate:
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First Icon is always our Lord Jesus Christ.
Next to it is the Icon of St. John the Baptist.
Next is the Icon of Archangel Gabriel.
On the left of the Royal Gate:
First Icon is' always the Virgin Mary
Next to it is the Icon of the Saint in whose name the Church
is named after (in our Church it is the Holy Trinity).
Next to the Church Icon is the Icon of Archangel Michael.
Over the Holy Door is the Image (Icon) of The Last
Supper; because in the Sanctuary the Mystery of the
Eucharist (Divine Liturgy is celebrated).
INCENSE (LINCENSE (LINCENSE (LINCENSE (LIVANIIVANIIVANIIVANI))))
Basically it is an offering, it is in the nature of a Sacrifice.
The fragrant offering carries a beautiful spiritual message
of our fervent prayers which rise to heaven as sweet
perfume; as a token of our respect to the Holy Person and
objects; as a means to make the Holy Liturgy more
touching in an atmosphere of mysticism. The incense also
symbolizes the frankincense offered by the Magi when
Christ was born in the Manger.
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J E S U SJ E S U SJ E S U SJ E S U S
The word "Jesus" in Hebrew means "Saviour",
"Redeemer". The name "Christ" means "anointed"
therefore, the name Jesus Christ indicates that our Saviour,
by the very name He had, was a Redeemer and Prophet.
The Orthodox church teaches that Jesus Christ is one
Person with two natures: the Human and Divine. These two
natues are united in the Person of Christ and can never be
separated, changed, or intermingled.
Q. What do we know of our Saviour, Jesus Christ?
a) Jesus. Christ is the Son of God.
b) He came down from heaven for our salvation.
c) He was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and the
Virgin Mary and became man.
d) He was crucified for us and for the forgiveness of
our sins.
e) He rose the third day according to the scripture.
f) He ascended into heaven and sits on the right
hand of the Father.
g) He shall come again to judge the living and the
dead.
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KNEELINGKNEELINGKNEELINGKNEELING
Kneeling in prayer denotes contrition and sorrow,
therefore, Sunday is not a day of sorrow and sadness but a
day of joy, gladness, -- the day of the Lord's Resurrection.
The Orthodox Church points out that Christians, genuflect
during the sanctification of the Precious Gifts, not to feel
contrition or sorrow, but as an expression of the wonder of
the Mystery of Mysteries --the change of the Bread and
Wine to the very Body and Blood of our Lord Saviour
Jesus Christ.
LENTLENTLENTLENT
The first day of Orthodox Lent is always a Monday and is
called "Kathara Deftera", which means "Pure Monday".
Lent originally began for a period of three days before
Easter. It gradually extended to a week, three weeks, and
finally to forty days. Perhaps the writers of the Bible used
forty days to commemorate the forty years Moses and the
Israelites were tempted and tried in the desert.
LORD'S PRAYERLORD'S PRAYERLORD'S PRAYERLORD'S PRAYER
The Lord's Prayer is a meaningful religious poem given by
Jesus Christ to His Disciples as an example of rules and the
significant substance that any prayer should have.
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The Lord's Prayer is the crowning prayer within the New
Testament. It has depth; it includes human petitions; it has
theology; it is short, yet nothing is missing; it penetrates
and has warmth; it has the breath of the Lord, His
personality and dimension; it is a transforming prayer.
The Lord's Prayer brings people together.
MARRIAGE (MMARRIAGE (MMARRIAGE (MMARRIAGE (MATRIMONYATRIMONYATRIMONYATRIMONY) ) ) )
Marriage is a sacrament whereby a man and a woman of
their own free will have decided to live together, and
thereby receive the grace and blessing of GOD to live the
conjugal life in faith.
God commanded Adam and Eve: "Be fruitful and multiply
and replenish the earth". Marriage is:
a) For mutual companionship and aid, for better and for
worse.
b) To live a clean life without passions and un permitted
relations.
c) To raise children in the fear of God and love of their
neighbor.
No Priest is permitted to officiate a marriage in the
Orthodox Church for the following reasons:
a) In-law's are not permitted to marry between
themselves.
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b) Aunts and uncles cannot marry their nieces and
nephews.
c) Step-parents cannot marry their step-children, nor
step-children between themselves.
d) First cousins cannot marry between themselves.
e) Sponsors at baptism cannot marry those whom
they have baptized, nor their parents.
f) Widows or widowers cannot marry during the
mourning period which is at least six months after
the death of a mate.
Marriage is forbidden during LENT.
If you marry outside of the Greek Orthodox church, you
will not be able to receive Holy Communion, act as a
Godfather in a Baptism, or serve as Best man in an
Orthodox Church. You are partially excommunicated.
Mixed marriages of an Orthodox with a non-Orthodox are
permitted, providing the Sacrament of Marriage is
performed in our church. The Church does NOT recognize
marriages performed by the justice of the peace or in any
other church. The Orthodox who does so, loses his
privilege of receiving Holy Communion, becoming a
Godfather in a Baptism or Best man in an Orthodox
wedding. Nor is he permitted an Orthodox funeral.
The Marriage Ceremony: In sharing the "common cup"
which is a simple wine, this symbolizes to the couple that
from that moment on they, will share everything in life,
joys as well as sorrows; and they are to bear one another's
burdens
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The circling by the bridal pair around the table which has
on it the Bible and Communion, signifies their oath forever
to preserve their marriage bond, until death shall break the
circle. The triple circling is in honor of the Holy Trinity,
(the Father, the son and the Holy Spirit) who are invoked to
bear witness to their oath.
The beautiful crowns used during the wedding service
signify the bond between the newly married couple and of
the glory and honor which crowns them in the sacrament.
This is their day of being crowned king and queen of a new
household (their kingdom) in a sacred union with love and
harmony.
Wedding rings are exchanged as a symbol of a pledge to
marry and marital fidelity.
Lighted candles held by the bride and groom symbolize the
purity of their lives and that the couple live their life like a
candle, which burns slowly and brightly.
MEMORIALSMEMORIALSMEMORIALSMEMORIALS
The Orthodox Church believes that each soul receives
individual judgment after death. The Church offers prayers
for the dead, appealing to God. Who in His mercy may
alleviate the suffering of the soul if such suffering exists.
The Church further believes that comfort is brought to the
departed through these prayers. In addition, prayers for the
dead are an expression of love and concern for the
departed.
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Memorial services are held according to Orthodox custom
on the forty days, one year and three years. Some people
have- a memorial service for their beloved one, every year
on the day of the death but not always with boiled wheat
(sitari). This memorial service without the boiled wheat
(sitari) is call a "Trisagion Service"
Q. What is the significance of the boiled wheat (sitari)
during the memorial service?
A. Grain (like seed) must be buried-in the earth in order to
rise and bring forth fruit. In the same way the body of the
dead must be committed to the earth in order that it may
rise to life eternal, since our Church believes in Eternal life.
MIRACLESMIRACLESMIRACLESMIRACLES
Q. What are miracles?
A. Acts, which can be done by no power or art of man, but
only by the Almighty power of God.
St. John summarized the purpose of the miracles of Christ
by saying that "these are written that ye might believe that
Jesus is Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might
have life through His name” (John 20:31)
The Miracles of Jesus Christ should be accepted and
believed as such because they are part of the Divinity of the
Saviour, thus are a part of the content of the Christian Faith
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and denote His own Power. They are performed as a bridge
for human souls to reach Faith in Jesus Christ.
NICENE CREEDNICENE CREEDNICENE CREEDNICENE CREED
This Creed is known from its first Greek word as (pistevo),
or in Latin (credo), in English (creed), meaning (I believe)
The Nicene Creed is a written statement of the Christian
faith, which was formulated as the shortest and the most
accurate summary of the Divine Truths.
It is called Nicene because it was in the city of Nicaea in
AsiaMinor that the Councils and leaders of the entire
Orthodox Catholic Christian Churches, including both parts
of the East and West, agreed to the concept of the Nicene
Creed. The Nicene Creed is considered the constitution of
the Eastern Orthodox church and is called Ecumenical
since it was issued by the undivided entire Church, and is--
even today--adopted in the main by all Christian churches!
ORTHODOXYORTHODOXYORTHODOXYORTHODOXY
Orthodoxy signifies right belief in the totality of eternal
truths as taught by Jesus Christ and the Apostles. These
truths are expressed in the Holy Scriptures and the Sacred
Tradition, both of which are equal and are represented pure
and unadulterated by the true church established by Christ
to continue His mission: MAN'S salvation.
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Q. What do the Orthodox mean when they say that their
Church is apostolic?
They mean that their Church possesses lawful and
uninterrupted succession of her bishops from the Apostles.
Briefly, this means that their Church as it is, even to this
day, is identical with that of the Apostles. The Orthodox
church has fought off all temptations and has kept belief,
faith, worship, and discipline unadulterated.
PARABLESPARABLESPARABLESPARABLES
Means "saying things in a different way".
The object of teaching in parables is to present to the
listeners an interesting illustration, from which they can
draw out for themselves moral and religious truth. It is like
painting a mental picture to illustrate the story or the moral
and/or religious teaching
PATRIARCHATESPATRIARCHATESPATRIARCHATESPATRIARCHATES
The Ecumenical Patriarchate is the most venerable and
supreme center of the Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic
Church.
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is where our Patriarch
resides and the central offices of the Church are located.
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The Patriarchate is now as always, located in
Constantinople or (Istanbul, as it is known today),in
Turkey.
Q. Is the Ecumenical Patriarch like the Pope?
A. No. The Orthodox Church has no Pope. The Patriarch of
Constantinople has a title of honor. He does not dictate to
the other Patriarchates or independent churches. He is first
among equals. He is not infallible.
PRAYERPRAYERPRAYERPRAYER
Prayer is a form of communion or communication between
God and man. It is a conversation between you and your
Creator. You reveal your innermost secrets, requests, needs
and problems to God and GOD reveals His will to your
mind.
You acknowledge your faults and shortcomings with the
assurance that He is a merciful God. In return, you
experience the satisfaction of forgiveness. At times, your
prayers are words of gratitude and glorification to God for
His benevolence to you. Regardless of what type of prayer
you offer, when it pertains to you 'personally, it is a private
prayer.
There are also our public prayers or worship and these are
offered by the church; a group of people who proclaim the
same beliefs and make the same requests to God. The
culmination of the public prayer is the Divine Liturgy.
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PRIESTHOODPRIESTHOODPRIESTHOODPRIESTHOOD
ORDINATION is a Sacrament. A Priest must be ordained
to serve as a Priest.
The Orthodox Church recognizes three orders of
priesthood, deacon, priest, and bishop. All other titles, such
as archbishop, metropolitan, patriarch, etc... are merely
titles of distinction indicating administrative authority.
The Priest is Christ's representative on earth. It is to him
that authority has been given to forgive sins, to instruct and
pronounce absolution. Besides the powers of the
priesthood, there are also duties: to be able to teach others,
the priest must himself be educated , must know the
scripture, must know the history of the Church, the
teachings, the canons, the laws and regulations but above
all he must set a good example through his personal life,
because this is the most effective way to influence others.
The Priest must be able to inspire the faithful spiritually
through the Holy Sacraments and services, and the Priest
must be fully
knowledgeable of the meaning of the words and actions to
serve in a holy and selfless manner. He must be a leader,
wise, patient, understanding and be familiar with the world
and the people with whom he lives.
A cardinal rule of the Church is that the Priest must be
married before he is ordained unless he decides that he
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wishes to rise in the ranks of the church into being a Bishop
or other elevated positions.
A married man can become a priest, but once a man Is
ordained a priest, he may not marry.
Note: The Patron Saint of Priests is St. Eleftherios. His
Feast Day is December 15th.
Eleutherios was the Roman son of a widowed lady of great
Christian belief and of course through her he accepted the
teachings of Christianity. He astounded his elders with his
great intellect and early development.
When he was fifteen he was ordained a priest of the
Christian Church and within a short time was elevated to
the episcopacy at the age of twenty, the youngest bishop
ever to reach that pinnacle. He was an outstanding
theologian, orator, and benefactor of Christianity.
Another name celebrated on this day is Eleftheria.
PROSFORON BREADPROSFORON BREADPROSFORON BREADPROSFORON BREAD
Prosforon (bread) is a leavened bread which is prepared
especially for the use in the Sacrament of Eucharist. It is
made of pure flour and yeast, and is sealed with the seal
bearing the inscription "Jesus Christ Conquers" (ICXC).
The seal is kept in the family sanctuary.
During Divine Liturgy, the seal ICXC is carved out of the
leavened bread by the Priest to prepare the HOST for
Communion and the rest of the. bread is cut up into little
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cubes called Antidoron which in Greek means," instead of
a gift". Antidoron is given out to the faithful at the end of
the Divine Liturgy.
The tradition of giving bread to the faithful at the end of
Divine Liturgy is based on the early Christian practice of
offering bread to the hungry and deprived masses as a
reward or gift if they would attended Christ's and the
Apostles' meetings to hear and learn about God. Over the
centuries the Church continues the tradition to give bread
(Antidoron) to those who attend Divine Liturgy as a gift.
SACRAMENTSSACRAMENTSSACRAMENTSSACRAMENTS
The Holy Sacraments are means whereby in a visible form,
the invisible gift of the Holy Ghost is imparted to MAN.
They are called Sacraments (mysteries) because through
prayer and under the form of matter, the mysterious
sanctifying and inexplicable power of the Holy Ghost is to
be found.
The SEVEN SACRAMENTS are:
� Baptism
� Chrismation (Confirmation)
� Penance (Confession)
� Communion (Holy Eucharist)
� Ordination (Holy Orders of Priesthood)
� Matrimony
� Holy Unction
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SARANTISMOS (CSARANTISMOS (CSARANTISMOS (CSARANTISMOS (CHURCHING WOMEN AFTERHURCHING WOMEN AFTERHURCHING WOMEN AFTERHURCHING WOMEN AFTER
CHILDBIRTHCHILDBIRTHCHILDBIRTHCHILDBIRTH). ). ). ).
The churching of women, is a blessing given by the Priest
to an Orthodox woman forty days after childbirth.
This is a custom which goes back to Jesus Himself. Forty
days after the birth of the Christ Child, the Virgin Mary, in
accordance with the Mosaic Law, brought the Divine Infant
to the temple to present him to the Lord and to receive the
blessings of motherhood.
After the mother receives the forty day blessings, she
partakes once again of Holy Communion.
SECOND COMINGSECOND COMINGSECOND COMINGSECOND COMING
The belief of the Church as recorded in the Scripture is that
Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead.
The Old Testament states: "For behold, the Lord will come
in fire" (Isa.66:15) and : "for behold, the day comes,
burning like an oven, when the arrogant and all evildoers
will be stubble" (Mal.4:1)
In the New Testament the second Coming of Christ to
judge the world is repeatedly mentioned: "They will see the
son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and
great glory".
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The truth of the Second Coming of Christ to judge the
living and the dead is included in the confession of faith as
in the Nicene Creed.
SINSINSINSIN
God did not abandon MAN altogether. Even though He
expelled him from the Garden (which symbolizes Man's
loss of God's friendship), He still carried on dialogue with
him and continues to protect him.
There are seven grave sins and are so called because each
one is a source and seed from which all other sins proceed.
They are called mortal or deadly sins because they rob the
soul of grace and forfeit one's union and friendship with
God. The person who commits one of these sets himself up
against God, turns away from Him, and renounces His
friendship and love.
The seven capital sins are the following:(the opposite of sin
is in parenthesis)
� Pride (humility);
� Covetousness or avarice (liberality -charity
to the -needy);
� Lust (chastity);
� Anger (mildness, meekness);
� Gluttony (temperance);
� Envy (brotherly love - agape);
� Sloth (diligence and prayer).
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Sin is sin.
There are two kinds of sin but some are graver than others.
Mortal sins rob the soul of grace and forfeit one's
friendship with God. Venial (pardonable or excusable) sins
render one less pleasing in God's sight.
Classified as MORTAL SINS that condemn us to eternal
perdition are: murder, apostasy, serious false-witnessing,
adultery, fornication and acts of pride that can cause injury
to one's neighbor. VENIAL SINS include such acts as
lying, cheating, gossiping, jealousy, bitterness, envy, etc.
VASKANIA (EVIL EYE)VASKANIA (EVIL EYE)VASKANIA (EVIL EYE)VASKANIA (EVIL EYE)
Our Church recognizes "vaskania" (evil eye) believing that
the "evil eye" is an eye of wickedness and envy, and as
such becomes the devil's organ because he is the cause of
evil.
The prayer for the "evil eye" is based on a promise that the
world of satanic power is real. The Church, in its concern
for MAN, prescribes prayer for any possible, hostile
influence, having in mind the need for God's protective
grace.
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VESPERSVESPERSVESPERSVESPERS
The Vesper service is full of memories of the creation, the
fall, the expulsion from paradise and the profound
contrition of the best men who found their only comfort in
hope in the Saviour and joyfully hailed His coming.
Vespers begin with the glorification of God and includes
petitions for our needs, singing of psalms and anthems,
expressing regret for the lost beauty of paradise, repentance
of sins, prayers of salvation, expressions of hope in the
Saviour. The service ends with the Lord's Payer, a hymn of
praise in honor of the Mother of God.
ALWAYS REMEMBER that our Orthodox Church is a
church of LOVE - not church of fear and punishment.