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

ABC’s of Orthodoxy

- 2 -

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


- 3 -

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


- 4 -

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


- 5 -

-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.


- 6 -

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.


- 7 -

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.


- 8 -

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


- 9 -

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".


- 10 -

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.


- 11 -

� 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.


- 12 -

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


- 13 -

� 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.


- 14 -

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


- 15 -

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.


- 16 -

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).


- 17 -

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.


- 18 -

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.


- 19 -

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.


- 20 -

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:


- 21 -

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.


- 22 -

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.


- 23 -

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.


- 24 -

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.


- 25 -

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


- 26 -

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.


- 27 -

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


- 28 -

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.


- 29 -

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.


- 30 -

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.


- 31 -

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


- 32 -

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


- 33 -

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


- 34 -

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".


- 35 -

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).


- 36 -

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.


- 37 -

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.

The ABCs of Orthodoxy

Documents

Transcript of The ABCs of Orthodoxy