Lecture on Altar Server Responses in the Divine Liturgy
Introduction
- Series covered previously:
- Meditations on the Divine Liturgy rites: Understanding every prayer in the Liturgy.
- Duties of Altar Servers: When to bring the censer, candles, etc.
- Current focus: Understanding all prayers, every word in the Liturgy.
Today's Topic
- Objective: Memorize the responses required from the Altar Server during the Thanksgiving Prayer.
- Importance: Ensures comprehension and recitation correctness throughout the Liturgy.
Thanksgiving Prayer Responses
- Said at the beginning of any prayer:
- Morning incense offering.
- Evening incense offering.
- House blessings, baptisms, engagements, weddings, etc.
- In the Liturgy, after choosing the Lamb and its annotations.
- Required Responses:
- Three simple responses for the Thanksgiving Prayer.
First Response
- When the priest starts the prayer:
jแบนแธn, etc.
Second Response
- After the first part:
- Known and loved by everyone:
f saity na."
Third Response
- Transitional and concluding results in complete prayer understanding.
- In Arabic, easy to memorize:
- Response: "And ask God to have mercy on us, be compassionate, hear us, help us, accept the questions of His saints, have mercy on us, and forgive our sins."
- Differences in the Liturgy: Includes additional phrases for communion:
- Response: "And ask God to have mercy on us, be compassionate, hear us, help us, accept the questions and requests of His saints, have mercy on us, and make us worthy to partake in the Holy Mysteries for the forgiveness of our sins."
Final Steps for Thanksgiving Prayer
- After responses:
- The Altar Server prepares the censer for the priest.
- Holds the cross and Gospel in the right hand and circles the altar three times as the priest prays.
Conclusion
- Importance of memorizing these responses for correct Liturgy participation.
- Encouragement to practice and recite regularly.
May the glory be to our God forever. Amen.