Altar Servers Guide

INTRODUCTION

Think about what you want to be when you grow up. Think about this—assisting the priest in the Altar is a job that is designated for adult men (i.e. deacons, sub-deacons, etc.). As an Altar boy you are already taking on an adult responsibility. This should not be taken lightly. Not everyone can serve in the Altar. Young men who serve in the Altar must not only be 9 years of age and older, but be active in the sacramental life of the Church, especially regarding the Mystery of Holy Communion, and live a Christian life at all times.

This guide will help you better understand the duties of serving in the Altar. Study it carefully!

CHAPTER 1 - ETIQUETTE

Arriving on Time

As Orthodox Christians we serve the Lord every minute of every day—even when we are not in Church! When we think about life this way, serving in the Altar on a Sunday shouldn’t be a problem. When we specifically prepare to sere at the Altar for the Divine Liturgy, this helps ensure that you are capable of doing your job. Arriving on time, helps priest concentrate on the service, instead of worrying whether or not he will have to help you prepare for the service. Another reason is so you are there for the beginning of the Liturgy and do not miss anything important.

Being on time is called being “punctual.” Being punctual is a trait that you will need for the rest of your life. Among many other things, serving in the Altar will help you develop this trait.

If you do not know what time the Liturgy starts or what time the Priest wants you to be there, you should ask him or your parents!

Entering the Church

The Church is not only a place of worship, it’s the Kingdom of Heaven on earth! It’s a place where mira- cles happen regular basis. Before you enter the church, you must concentrate on why you are there. Anything that is on your mind that does not have to do with yours salvation and the Divine Liturgy must be left outside the doors of the church. Remember that you are not only here for yourself, but to help people as they worship God.

You should not make any loud noises, start unnecessary conversations, or try to get someone’s atten- tion from a far distance. The time to socialize with others is when the service is over.

When you enter the Church, light a candle, kiss the icons, and do the sign of the cross. Candles symbol- ize our prayers, because through our prayers, we are a light to the world. When you light a candle, you should say a prayer, either for yourself or for someone you know. People often light candles for family members and for people who are sick. Candles can also be lit for those people that have passed away.

Entering the Altar

While it’s important to be serious when we enter the Church, we must be even more serious when we en- ter the Altar. This is where the Altar Table is located. On this table, the most important service of the Church takes place—the Divine Liturgy. As Orthodox Christians, our lives revolve around this Holy Mys- tery – the Communion of the Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is where the Holy Spirit comes down, and changes bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We the faithful consume this so that we can become one with our Lord and Savior!

To be present in the Altar where this Mystery takes place is a great blessing and privilege. Before you en- ter the Altar, you stand at the side door and cross yourself, then kiss the icon of the Archangel in front of you.

Preparing to Serve

When you enter the Altar, find your robe, and get a blessing from the priest to put it on. Always receive your blessing from the priest before putting it on. Approach the priest by holding the robe in both hands, saying “Father bless.” The priest will bless you. When he does this, kiss his hand. You then go off to the side and put on your robe. If the priest is busy, and there are other priests in the Altar, you may receive a blessing from one of them.

When a Bishop present, you must get your blessing from him, even if he is outside of the Altar at his throne. Approach him and say, “Master bless”or “Eulogison Despota.”When he gives you his blessing, kiss his hand and return to the Altar.

After you put on your robe, and before you do anything else in the Altar, you must go and wash your hands at the sink. This symbolizes that you wash your hands of all bad things in the world. Think about it, if you wash your hands before you eat, shouldn’t you do the same before serving in the Altar?

Following Directions

Following the directions of the Priest or an adult who is assisting in the Altar is not an option. It is also a good idea to follow the lead of Altar boys who have the most experience.

Love and respect for everyone

During the Service

One of your jobs is to assist the priest, and to lead processions during the Divine Liturgy. It is very im- portant that you pay attention to the priest. When you are not doing anything, you stand on the side of the Altar Table, and follow along with the Liturgy. Altar Servers are also responsible for cleaning and organizing the Altar area. Only the priest is allowed to touch the Altar table. Wait for his di- rection before moving anything from the Altar.

At the End of the Service

For most people the service ends when the priest hands out the antidoro. However, at this point there is still work to do for the priest and the Altar Servers. Make sure that the priest has enough antidoro to hand out to the people. You must clean any messes, and making sure that everything is in it’s proper place. When you are finish with your duties, you must ask the priest for permission to leave. When the priest gives you his blessing, you kiss his hand and put your robe back the way you found it.

Exiting the Altar

When you exit the Altar after you’ve taken off your robe, you kiss the icon of the Archangel and cross yourself.

CHAPTER 2 - ITEMS IN THE ALTAR

Everything in the Altar has a meaning and an importance. Treat everything in the church with care and respect.

The Altar Servers’ Robes

The robe you wear symbolizes your commitment and service to the Church. The robe also distinguishes you from the rest of the congregation by the specific role that you have in the Church. When you wear the robe, remember that you are not only a Christian, but a servant of God at His Holy Altar. The belts are typically only worn by those tonsured as sub-deacons. In Greek, the robe is called the “Sticharion,” and the belt is called the “Orarion.”

Treat your robe with care and respect so it will last and will look presentable when you serve. After you leave the Altar, you should make sure your robe is neatly hanging on a coat hangar in the closet so that it will not wrinkle. If you feel your robe needs repair or cleaning, you should speak with your priest or the head of the Altar Servers.

The Torches

The torches are what you use most of the time during processions, readings and special services. The torches symbolize the light of Christ shining for those who believe in Him. When you carry a torch at the front of a procession, you also help to announce the beginning of the procession to the people, so they should stand still and pay attention. You should not play with the torches or swing them from side to side. When you are walking, hold the staff with both hands, and do not drag the bottom of the pole. When you are standing still, it is okay to rest the pole on the floor.

When you stand in front of the Altar with the torch, face the Altar Server across from you. The same goes if you stand in front or on the sides of a table. Remember, never turn your back to the Altar or the priest.

The Censer (Thymiato)

The burning of incense is a symbol of our prayers that we offer to God. The censer is what we burn incense in. The lower part of the censer symbolizes the earth, and the top part of the cen- ser symbolizes Heaven. There are twelve bells on the chains, that represent the Twelve Apostles of Christ.

Make sure that the censer is clean at all times. A dirty censer that is full of coal residue stinks!Make sure the charcoal is lit and that there is plenty of coal left in the container next to the censer stand. If we run out, there is extra coal in the counter by the sink.

There should also be no more than one charcoal in the censer at one time. You must also be careful about how much incense you use each time. Do not use more than 2 or 3 pieces of incense! Using too much in- cense will either create too much smoke, or extinguish the coal.

Also, every time the priest uses the censer and gives it back to you, you should also scrape off the remain- ing burning incense from the coal.

When you give the censer to the priest, hold the top of the censor your right hand, and the chains with your left hand. Make sure there is enough room for the priest to grab the censer. Always kiss the hand of the priest when giving or taking the censer from him.

Remember, in a procession, the censer always goes in front of the lead priest.

Light the coal in the censer. Also, never blow on the coal. The coal has gunpowder in- side of it. It can light very quickly burning your face, your robe, or the floor!

The Processional Cross and Fans

The Processional Cross and Fans are located behind the Altar Table. These are used during the Great En- trance and on other special services and occasions. The Cross has two sides to it. One side shows an icon of Christ crucified on the Cross. The other side shows Christ risen from the dead. This side with Christ on the Cross is taken in a procession on weekdays. The other side of the Cross has an icon of Christ res- urrecting. That is the side that must always face forward on Sundays. That is because on Sundays, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!

When you hold the Cross and Fans, you stand the same way you would stand if you were holding a torche. In a procession, 1.) the Cross goes ahead of the censer, and 2.) the Fans go ahead of the Cross and be- hind the torches.

The Banners (Lavara)

The Banners are usually located on the solea, outside the Altar and are only used for special feast days and occasions. Your priest will let you know when they are to be used.

The Antidoro (Blessed Bread)

The Antidoro is the blessed bread that is given out at the end of Divine Liturgy. Historically, this bread was given to those who had not received Holy Communion. Today it is given to everyone at the end of Divine Liturgy. The antidoro is cut up during the service from the prosfora that people bring to the church. It is important that the antidoro is cut and ready early in the Liturgy, as it is given to the priest to be blessed about half way through the service.

The Thikero-Trikera (Bishop’s Candles)

When a bishop is visiting the church, the Thikero-Trikera are used. These are two candle stands, one with three candles and one with two candles. The one with the three symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The one with the two symbolizes the two natures of Christ (Divine and Human). When taken from the Holy Altar, these candles are held by either deacons or Altar boys. The three-candles are al- ways to the right of the bishop, and the two-candles are always to the left. For further instruc- tion on how to carry the Thikero-Trikera please ask your parish priest.

The Prothesis (Preparation Table)

The Prothesis is located off to the left of the Altar. This is where the priest prepares the gifts before Orthros starts. The Altar boys are not responsible for this in any way as this service is done before they arrive at the church. However, it is important to be aware of this table’s importance. This is where the priest will go to get the gifts before the Great Entrance.

The Zeon (Hot Water)

The Zeon is heated during the Divine Liturgy and is brought to the priest right before he gives Holy Communion. The Zeon is always brought to the priest on his right side during the Lord’s prayer. The priest will take the Zeon and pour it into the chalice and return it back to the Altar boy.

CHAPTER 3 - PROCESSIONS

Small Entrance (Entrance of the Gospel)

The first procession that takes place in the Divine Liturgy is the Small Entrance. This is where the priest goes around the church with the Holy Gospel. Altar boys are to line up at the north door, and proceed down the right aisle of the church towards the back, turn left at the back and then left again to come down the center aisle. The priest will follow the Torches. Only torches are to be used in this procession (no Cross or Fans). When the Altar boys reach the Solea (platform in front of Al- tar) they are to split and line up in two separate lines, on both sides of the Royal Doors (i.e. the mid- dle doors of the Altar). When the priest passes and goes into the Altar, the Altar boys should line up, turn to face the Altar in pairs, bow and enter through the doors on their own side of the iconostasis.

Gospel Reading

When the priest is ready to read the Gospel, the Altar boys who are responsible for holding the torches will exit from either side of the Altar. They are to come out and line up on each side of the Royal Doors facing each other. They are to wait there until the Gospel is read and then turn, bow, and enter through their respective side doors (just like in the small entrance). Only torches are taken out for the Gospel reading.

Great Entrance (Entrance of the Gifts)

The Great Entrance is when the priest comes out with the Holy Gifts that are to become the Body and Blood of Christ. The procession is similar to the Small Entrance. However, people are involved in it. The order of the procession should be 1.) the Cross, 2.) Candles 3.) Fans and 4.) the Censer. Whoever holds the Censer is must cense the priest as he walks around the church and all the way up to the Solea. When the priest stops and faces the people, stand to the left side.

NOTE: When the priest is finished saying his prayers in front of the people, immediately bow and enter the Altar before anyone else so that you can be ready at the side of the Altar to assist the priest.

Holy Communion

During Holy Communion one Altar boy must hold the red communion cloth for the priest that is used to pro- tect the Holy Communion from falling on the floor, and for people to wipe their mouths. There must also be one or more Altar boys who will make sure that there is enough antidoro for the people. If you do not have a job to do, get in line for communion, receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and go back in- to the Altar. Never stand around in front of the solea if you do not have a job to do!

Artoklasia (Blessing of the Five Loaves)

Sometimes at the end of Liturgy there will be an Artoklasia service. Two Altar boys should come out with torches to and stand on each side of the table with the loaves. One more Altar boy should come out with the censer and stand to the right of the Priest. When the priest is finished, the Altar boys are to reenter the Altar in the normal fashion.

Mnimosino (Memorial Service)

Just as with the service of the Artoklasia, two Altar boys with torches, and one with the censer are needed. At the end of the service, they may return to the Altar.

CHAPTER 4 – SPECIAL SERVICES

Great Lent I – Great Compline

Compline is a service that is held at the end of the day. It takes place after dinner (hence the Greek name of the service, apodeipnos). The Service of Great Compline is a service that has many beloved hymns and prayers of Great Lent. This service is called Great Compline because it is much longer (where Small Com- pline is about 15-20 minutes, this service is approximately 1 hour). The contents of this service are about the same as Small Compline, with a stress on the theme of repentance (metanoia, “changing one’s mind”) and salvation. This is definitely shown in the main hymn of the evening: Lord of the Powers, be with us! For in times of distress, we have no other help but You! Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us!

It is a great way to keep our fast in perspective, and to ask for God’s great mercy in this time of spiritual struggle.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this Liturgy:

A. During the hymn Lord of the Powers: the Priest will need the censer to cense around the entire Church.

B. During the First Week of Great Lent: Altar Servers should be ready to go out with their can- dles for the reading of the Gospel.

Great Lent II – Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts

During Great Lent, it is a rule of the Church that Divine Liturgies cannot be held during the week. The only time when the Church would celebrate Divine Liturgies during Great Lent are on Sundays (the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great), on Saturday (the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom), and on the feastday of the Annunciation (March 25th).

However, since the Church sees it important for its faithful to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion as often as possible, it created a “Liturgy” with consecrated Bread and Wine (i.e. it’s all ready the Body and Blood of Christ, taken from the past Sunday’s Liturgy), to be given to the people during a night service. This service, called the “Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts” is done during the time of Vespers. Firstly, it is a Vespers service until the two readings finish; after that, we read Com- munion prayers and the faithful receive Christ at the appropriate time (just like at Liturgy).

This Liturgy is usually celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays. The last Pre-Sanctified Liturgy of the year is celebrated on Holy Wednesday.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this Liturgy:

A. During the Reading of the Kathismata (three sets of 3 Psalms): the Priest will need the cen- ser. As the Priest is ready to take the Holy Gifts to the Prothesis, one Altar Server will need to cense the Gifts, walking backwards to the Prothesis. He will then give the censer to the Priest as he censes the Gifts.

B. During the Psalm Lord, I have cried: the Altar Server will give the censer to the Priest, so he can cense the Church.

C. At the Doxastikon of the Liturgy: the Altar Servers will take part in the Small Entrance – us- ing the Candles, Processional Fans and the Cross (if need be).

D. The Priest will need the censer and a hand-held candle after the first Prophecy.

E. If there is a Gospel reading, Altar Servers will go out in front of the Royal Doors, opposite

one another for the Gospel.

F. The Altar Servers will take place in the Great Entrance, using the Candles, Processional Fans and the Cross (if neccesary).

G. The Priest will need assistance with Holy Communion, just as in the Divine Liturgy. After Holy Communion, the censer should be given to the Priest to cense the Gifts.

H. The antidoro is given out to the faithful at the end of the service.

Great Lent III – The Akathist Hymn

The first 5 Fridays of Great Lent are marked with a very beloved ser- vice that is dedicated to the Mother of God. The Salutations of the The- otokos, together with a supplicatory canon (a group of like sounding hymns), are combined with a small compline service (this is the only time of the week the Small Compline is done in church). If we would like to get to know the Mother of God better, all we have to do is listen to the hymns of this service—it tells us the story of her life, and it helps us pray to her!

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be need- ed during this service:

At the main hymn Ti upermaho, Altar Servers should stand on the Soleas on either side of the icon of the Virgin Mary with torches, and the censer.

During the First Week of Great Lent, Altar Servers should also be ready to go out with the torches for the reading of the Gospel.

HOLY WEEK

Holy Week I – Palm Sunday Morning

Six days before the Passover, Jesus entered Jerusalem. People were waiting for the Messiah (which means, “the Anointed One”) to free them from the Romans and all of their oppressors. Someone with power usual- ly enters triumphantly into a city he has captured. But, Jesus entered Je- rusalem with humility, riding a donkey. This fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy that said, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daugh- ter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and hav- ing salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

People waved palm branches on that day, to symbolize that their Messi- ah had come. This is why we bless palm branches in Church on Palm Sunday. The Priest gives them to the people after the Divine Liturgy, to help them remember this very important feastday in the Church.

Altar Servers need to be aware that at the end of the Divine Liturgy, there will be a procession with the Palms and the appropriate prayer to be read by the Priest or Bishop. Altar Servers should be ready to assist the Priest in giving out the palms to the faithful.

Holy Week II – Palm Sunday Evening, Holy Monday Evening, Holy Tuesday Evening

On Palm Sunday evening, the Church begins to hold “Bridegroom Services”. They are called the “Bridegroom Services” because the Church displays the icon of the Bridegroom Christ for people to vener- ate, remembering that Jesus is the Bridegroom of the Church. Jesus sacrifices His life for His Bride, and His Bride promises to be faithful to Him.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during these services:

A. Immediately after the “Enarxis” (or, beginning of the service): the Priest needs the katzion (a smaller, hand-held censer) to cense the Church during the first 2 Psalms.
B. At the hymn, “idou o numphios erhetai” (Behold, the Bridegroom comes): Altar Servers will pro-

ceed as during the Little Entrance of Divine Liturgy around the Church. The Senior Altar Server(s) will cense the icon of the Bridegroom Christ, going three times around the icon stand. Every Altar Server will kiss the icon of the Bridegroom Christ.

C. At the Gospel Reading: the Altar Servers will come out in front of the Royal Gates for the reading.

D. At the Magalynarion (Tin theotokon kai mitera tou photos): the Altar Server should have the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.

Holy Week III – Holy Wednesday Afternoon/Night

Every Sacrament has its roots in the Word of God, the Bible. We find the roots of the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Epistle of James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the Presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)

In the past, this Sacrament was done in the context of the Divine Liturgy; today, however, it is done as a separate service. This Sacrament can be conducted on any day of the year. However, the Church has or- dained for this Sacrament to be done every Holy Wednesday. At the service’s completion, all the faithful come and receive the blessing of the Holy Oil, being anointed by the Priest or Bishop, “for healing of soul and body.”

This Sacrament does not replace Holy Confession, but it is necessary for us in order to receive for Holy Communion on Pascha.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this service:

A. At the Magalynarion: the Altar Server should have the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.B. At every Gospel reading: the Altar Servers should come to the Royal Gates for the reading.

Holy Week IV – Holy Thursday Night

The service on Holy Thursday night is one of the longest ser- vices of the year. The Holy Service of the Passion is a service filled with beautiful hymnography and 12 Gospels that depict the various events of the Passion of Jesus Christ. The first Gospel is called The Gospel of the Covenant, in which Jesus shares with us what we must do as Christians. He also prays to the Fa- ther during the so called “Hierarchical Prayer.” The Gospel fin- ishes with Jesus and His disciples in the valley of Kidron, right before Judas comes to betray Him. Throughout the night, vari- ous hymns are chanted by the people, and Gospels are read that describe Jesus’ betrayal, His trial by the Chief Priests and Pilate, and then His Crucifixion.

After the Fifth Gospel, the Priest carries out a large Crucifix to the following Hymn (the 15th Antiphon):

Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon a Tree. He who is King of the Angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in mocking purple. He who freed Adam in the Jordan receives a blow on the face. The Bride- groom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced by a lance. We worship Your Sufferings, O Christ. Show us also your glorious Resurrection.

Following the Procession, people come up and venerate the Crucified Christ.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during these services:

A. Immediately after the Enarxis: (or, beginning of the ser- vice), the Priest needs the katzion (a small, hand-held cen- ser) to cense the Church during the first 2 Psalms.

B. At every Gospel Reading before the Procession with the Crucifix: the Altar Servers will come out in front of the Royal Gates for the reading. Make sure the older Altar Serv- ers stand for the first Gospel reading, as it is quite long com- pared to the others.

C. During the Procession with the Crucifix: make sure every Altar Server takes part. All candles, processional fans, crosses and censers should be used. The Senior Altar Serv- ers should take the censers, censing the Crucifix. The pro- cession will take place around the entire Church, ending at the Soleas. The Altar Servers with censers will go around the base where the Cross will be placed three times before standing on either side. When all Altar Servers reach the Soleas, everyone should kneel with their candle/processional fan/cross (with the Altar Servers with censers kneeling afterwards). Every Altar Server will kiss the Crucifix at the appropriate time.

D. At the Magalonarion (tin theotokon kai mitera tou photos): an Altar Servers should have the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.

Holy Week V – Good Friday Afternoon

On Holy Friday afternoon, we gather in Church for the Vespers called The Descent from the Cross Service (the apokothilothis). During this service, various hymns are chanted about Jesus’ death on the Cross and burial. Various Bible readings

are read after the “Thanksgiving of the Lighting of the Lamps” (also known asphos ilaron), which include Exodus 33:11-23, Job 42:12-17, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2, and the Gospel reading (which is a collection of readings on the crucifixion and death of Jesus—it includes Matthew 27:1-38, Luke 23:3943, Matthew 27:39-54, John 19:31-37, and Matthew 27:55-61).

Towards the conclusion of the Gospel reading, the Bishop or Priest, acting as Joseph of Arimathea, will take the Body of Christ off the Cross. After this, the Bishop or Priest will take out the Επιτάφιο (an icon depicting Jesus being taken down off the Cross) and put it into the grave of Christ (called a koubouklion, which will be decorated with various flowers the night before). After the service is over, the people will come and venerate the Επιτάφιοwith respect, keeping in mind that this is our Lord’s tomb.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during these services:

A. After the “Litany of Peace” (the eirinika): the Priest will need the censer to cense the Church.

B. At the hymn before “Both Now and Forever” (kai nun kai aei): all Altar Servers will take part in the Small Entrance. Altar Servers should use candles, processional fans and the Cross. They will enter the Altar again at the chanting of the Prokeimenon.

C. At the reading of the Gospel: Altar Servers will stand on the Solea on either side of the Royal Doors.

Note: Two to three Senior Altar Servers will assist the Priest at the “ Descent of the Cross” portion of the Gospel. They will hold the white sheet, folding it as the Priest puts in the “Body of Christ” from the Crucifix. One other Altar Server will be there with a censer for the Priest.

D. After the “Offering of the Peace” (eirini pasi): the Altar Servers will take part in a similar pro- cession to that of the Small Entrance. This one is different in that the Altar Servers will also carry the censers, censing the epitaphio icon carried by the Priest.

Holy Week VI – Good Friday Night

The Matins of Holy Saturday is the first significant change to the mood of the week. Until now, we have seen the overall mood being that of “sorrow”; with tonight’s service, however, we start to see the mood change to that of joyful anticipation. This Saturday is called the “Most-Blessed Sabbath,” because “He will rise again on the third day!” (Kontakion of Holy Saturday. Our anticipation of Jesus’ Resurrection is also coupled together with “The Hymns of Praise” (called the eghomia), with the procession of the epitaphios taking place after the Great Doxology.

After the procession, the Priest takes the epitaphios inside the Altar. Biblical readings preparing us for the Resurrection of Christ are read, and the service concludes with the Priest giving the flowers of the koubouklion of the epitaphios as a blessing to the people.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this service:

A. At the Megalynarion (tin theotokon kai mitera tou photos): the Altar Server should have the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.

B. At the end of the 9th Ode, before the “Hymns of Praise”: the Altar Servers should all stand outside until the end of the 3rd Set of the Hymns. Altar Servers should stand as they do at the Gos- pel reading, with candles, processional fans and the Cross.

C. Towards the end of the “Hymns of Praise”: make sure the Priest has the vessel which he will sprinkle the epitaphios and the congregation with sweet fragrances.

D. At the beginning of the Doxology: the Altar Servers will all line up to exit the Church for the Procession of the epitaphios. candles, processional fans, the cross, censers and the banners should be taken during this procession. The conclusion of the Procession will be in front of the doors of the Church, where the Priest will offer a short Ektenis. Upon its conclusion, the epitaphios andkoubouklion will be lifted and all Altar Servers will pass under the epitaphios as a blessing. Altar Servers will then proceed to the Solea, lining up as they do usually (i.e. a set of Altar Servers on ei- ther side), and entering the Altar at the conclusion of the Gospel Reading.

E. At the end of the service: Altar Servers will be helping the Myrofores and others in giving the Priest flowers from the epitaphios.

Holy Week VII – Holy Saturday Morning

Holy Saturday morning is the last day of the fast for Holy Week. It is a day of joyous anticipation, but also one of reflection, prayer and preparation for the great feast of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We commemorate our Lord’s descent into Hades and prepare to celebrate His Resurrection; we can see this in the hymns that are chanted, expressing the “groaning of Hades” and rejoicing of the Heavens. The service that is done this morning is the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. After the Epistle, the Priest and the people chant the hymn, “Arise O God, judge the earth! For You shall have an inheritance among the nations!” At this hymn, the priest goes around the Church and throws flowers as a joyful reminder that the Resurrection of our Lord is about to take place. The Gospel recalls the events of the Resurrection of our Lord, and the Liturgy takes place.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this service:

A. During the Psalm “Lord, I have cried”: the Priest will need the censer to cense the Church.

B. At the hymn before “Both Now and Forever” (Kai nun kai aei): Altar Servers will take part in the Small Entrance. Altar Servers should use torches. They will enter the Altar again at the begin- ning of the First Prophecy Reading.

C. At the conclusion of the Epistle: An Altar Servers will hold a basket filled with bay leaves, accompanying the Priest around the Church (it is a tradition to throw bay leaves at the end of this Epistle). The remaining Altar Servers should be ready for the Gospel reading.

D. At the reading of the Gospel: Altar Servers will stand on the Solea on either side of the Royal Doors.

Note: The rest of the service is the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. All Altar Server procedures will remain the same (e.g. the Great Entrance, blessing of the bread, Holy Communion, etc.).

Holy Week VIII – Holy Saturday Night

The service of the Holy Pascha begins at around 11:00 p.m. with the chanting of the Canon. At about 11:40 p.m., the lights are all shut off in the Church and the Priest comes out with one lit can- dle. He proclaims: “Come receive the light, from the Light that can never be overtaken by night, and glorify Christ who is risen from the dead!” The Church becomes illuminated and all pro- ceed to the back of the Church (led by the Altar Servers, and the Priest) for the Gospel reading to proclaim the Resurrection of Christ (Mark 16:1-8). After this Gospel, all chant “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by His death, and bestowing life to those in the tombs!” Af- ter this, the Festal Orthros and Divine Liturgy are chanted, all hymns so joyful of the Resurrection of Christ. At the end of the Resurrectional Liturgy, the blessing of the Easter eggs is done by the Priest.

Altar Servers need to be aware of the following times they will be needed during this service:

A. Altar Servers must be ready with candles, processional fans, Cross, banners and censer at the hymn “Come, receive the light”: They will proceed to the narthex (or the designated place) for the Resurrectional Service Gospel and “Christ is Risen”. They will re-enter the Church at the beginning of the Canon, “It’s the day of Resurrection!”

B. At the Magalynarion: the Altar Server should have the Priest’s Paschal Candle ready, together with the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.

C. At the final hymn of Matins, “It’s the day of Resurrection,”: an Altar Server should have the Priest’s Paschal Candle ready, together with the censer ready for the Priest to cense the Church.

D. At the end of the Divine Liturgy: the Altar Boys will help the Priest give out the blessed Easter Eggs.

Note: The Divine Liturgy celebrated is that of St. John Chrysostom. Therefore, all Altar Server proce- dures will remain the same (e.g. the Great Entrance, blessing of the bread, Holy Communion, etc.).

Holy Week IX – Holy Pascha Morning

With the celebration of the Resurrection finishing into the early hours of the morning, the Church fin- ishes Holy Week with a Vespers service. This Vespers is called “The Vespers of Agape” (Ο Εσπερινός της Αγάπης). In this Vespers, we also read the Gospel reading (which is John 20:19-25) in various languages, which is done by the Priest and the people. At the end of the service, all are given red Easter eggs (of the same that were blessed the previous night) as a blessing.

A. At the beginning of the Service (the “Enarxis”): the Altar Server should have the Priest’s Paschal Candle ready, together with the censer ready for the Priest.

B. During the Psalm “Lord, I have cried”: the Priest will need the censer to cense the Church.

C. At the hymn preceeded by “Both Now and Forever”: all Altar Servers will take part in the Small Entrance. Altar Servers should use candles, processional fans and the Cross. They will enter the Altar again at the end of the Gospel Reading.

D. At the final hymn of Matins, “It’s the day of Resurrection,” an Altar Server should have the Priest’s Paschal Candle ready, together with the censer ready for the Priest to cense the icons and conclude the service.

E. At the end of the Agape Vespers: the Altar Boys will help the Priest give out the red Easter Eggs.

Feasts of the Holy Cross

“Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance”: With these words, the Church honors the feast of the Holy Cross twice a year – September 14th (“Exaltation of the Holy Cross”) and the Third Sunday of Great Lent (“Cross-Adoring Sunday”). Both days remind us of the sacrifice of Christ on the Life-Giving Cross, which is why we fast on these days. On both these days, we have similar ser- vices for the faithful to honor the Holy Cross. Although a bit differ- ent, the Altar Server’s role is the same.

At the end of the Doxology (in Matins) or at the end of the Di- vine Liturgy: the Altar Servers will begin a Procession with Candles, Processional Fans and the Censer (but without the Pro- cessional Cross) around the Church (just like the Small Entrance).

All Altar Servers will line up opposite one another on the Soleas except those with the censer – those Altar Servers will go around the Church, censing the Holy Cross on the tray of flowers, being held by the Priest. Upon reaching the Solea, they will go three (3) times around the table set up in the center, at which time they will stand on either side of the Priest. The Altar Servers will go back into the Altar and, prepare to give out the antidoro.

Appendix C: What to do during the Divine Liturgy

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