Please tell me about it

[Forest]

This was in another thread...



Wan't to know God?

If you wan't to know God...

You will find God attending Divine Liturgy on Sunday's in the Orthodox Church.:clap:

You are all invited.

Forgive me....


I would like to go sometime, what is it like, what happens, how is it different from other churches?

Thank you Orthodoxyusa for inviting everyone.

[Philip]

In short, it is a glimpse of heaven.

It is a long prayer to God, spoken by the priest, deacon, and choir, and culminating in the celebration of the Eucharist. It is vaguely similar to a high Catholic Mass, minus the hymns and VII changes. It is nothing like a non-denominational.

[choirfiend]

I would like to go sometime, what is it like, what happens, how is it different from other churches?


Welcome Forest! I hope you will have an enjoyable visit when you are able to!

An Orthodox Divine Liturgy is very different from anything else. People are usually impressed by the faith and love expressed in the service. The Liturgy is the Eucharistic (Thanksgiving) service. It includes hymns of praise, hymns of teaching, prayers for everything under the sun, statement of faith, communion of the Faithful (Orthodox Christians who have prepared to receive the Body and Blood of Christ) and prayers/hymns of thanksgiving.

Where do you live? We can find the churches nearest you and get you their service schedules.

For when you go, here's a little blip "12 things I wish I'd known...before a visit to an Orthodox Church"
http://www.frederica.com/orthodox/o12th-mrb.html

And here is a little book that beautifully describes everything that happens in Liturgy and WHY it happens that is online for your browsing pleasure! Keep clicking next to read about the next part of the Liturgy.
http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=90

[Marjorie]

For some tips on what to expect in an Orthodox Divine Liturgy, go here: http://www.antiochian.org/1103328831

But if you want to know how Orthodoxy itself differs from other Churches in belief and practice, that would take longer to explain.

Please visit a Divine Liturgy! You can use this site-- http://orthodoxyinamerica.org-- to find a nearby parish.

Just before the turn of the first millenium, some emissaries of Prince Vladimir of Rus went to Constantinople after visiting German Catholics, Bulgar Muslims, and Jews, deciding what religion Rus (Russia) should choose.

This was how they described the Divine Liturgy they experienced there: "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it. We only know that God dwells there among men, and their service is fairer than the ceremonies of other nations. For we cannot forget that beauty."

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[Orthosdoxa]

What Philip and Marjorie said.

It is patterned after the worship in heaven seen in the book of Revelations.

It must be experienced to be understood.

Check out my website for some good links about it and other stuff: stienekel.tripod.com

:)

LK

[Servus Iesu]

I hope you don't mind my Orthodox friends... if you want to see what a divine liturgy looks like you can go here www.saintbarbara.org (http://www.saintbarbara.org) They show the liturgy on real player.

[Marjorie]

I hope you don't mind my Orthodox friends... if you want to see what a divine liturgy looks like you can go here www.saintbarbara.org (http://www.saintbarbara.org/) They show the liturgy on real player.

That's a great link... but one should remember that seeing the DL is only one aspect of experiencing the DL... there is also smelling it, feeling it... just being in its presence... Orthodoxy engages all the senses, since our whole selves are saved by God becoming man.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

[gzt]

The Divine Liturgy is the meeting place of Heaven and Earth. The beginning of the Liturgy says, "Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...", announcing our destination. In the Liturgy, we offer ourselves and our whole lives to God and He gives us in return the Body and Blood of Christ and shows us the Kingdom of Heaven.

[Servus Iesu]

That's a great link... but one should remember that seeing the DL is only one aspect of experiencing the DL... there is also smelling it, feeling it... just being in its presence... Orthodoxy engages all the senses, since our whole selves are saved by God becoming man.

In IC XC,
Marjorie

I agree... but it gives one an idea of what it is like. I like to watch the Tridentine Mass but I would much rather be there. Hopefully I will make it to a divine liturgy soon. Is the divine liturgy the same at Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches?

[Rilian]

Is the divine liturgy the same at Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches?

It depends.