January 29, 7534
In an Old Rite Orthodox church, the kissing of icons takes place at a specific moment during the service—when the magnification (величание) of the feast is sung during the polyeleos. The faithful approach the icon in order and according to seniority. First, the senior-most clergyman (bishop or priest) approaches the icon, then ascends the ambo and bows at…
Deacon Alexander Govorov: Today, I will explain when and which candles are lit, when they are extinguished, and why this is necessary. Saint Arseny of the Urals, who lived just a hundred years ago, traveled across our dioceses, visited various parishes, and gathered liturgical data everywhere. As a result, he published his Typikon, which explains different…
The custom of lighting lamps began a very long time ago, in the earliest centuries of Christianity. Christians, being persecuted for confessing their faith, gathered secretly at night to pray. At first, candles were lit simply to illuminate the place of prayer. But very soon, they came to be lit not only for light, but…
A tithe is one-tenth of all income that every Christian offers to God. The tithe is a divine institution and was mandatory for every Jew: “And all the tithe of the land […] is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.”(Leviticus 27:30) It was designated for the support of the Old Testament priesthood and…
In the world around us today, unfortunately, much is determined by money or at least heavily influenced by it. Awareness of this fact prompts various church figures to seek out explanations for the current order of things—sometimes quite extravagant or even cynical (I refer to the statements of Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev of the Russian Orthodox…
“And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the better.”— Hebrews 7:7 The word “blessing” (благословение) is composed of two parts: “blago” (good) and “slovo” (word)—that is, speech, teaching, and in this case also consent or permission (for a particular “good”). Thus, in modern terms, a blessing is consent and authorization for a specific, God-pleasing and salvific action. And…
Entering an Old Believer church is not permitted in the following cases: source
After completing the seven prostrations of the seven-bow beginning one should stand in a designated place, where it is proper to remain for the entire service. “Then,” instructs the book The Son of the Church, “make a bow at the waist to those standing near you, quietly saying: ‘Forgive me, fathers and brethren’” (Chapter 35)….