Did you know the Divine Liturgy begins before the Divine Liturgy? 

The Divine Liturgy technically begins with the First Exclamation: “Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.” Preparation for the Liturgy, however, starts well before this moment. 

The first part of the Divine Liturgy is the Liturgy of the Catechumens, and the second is the Liturgy of the Faithful (the Eucharistic Sacrifice). Our preparation begins liturgically the previous evening with the celebration of Vespers and picks up again in the morning with Orthros (Matins). After Orthros ends with the Doxology, the Divine Liturgy begins. 

The faithful prepare themselves by going to Holy Confession, receiving spiritual counsel, praying, and fasting from certain food and drink before receiving Holy Communion. This preparation is worked out with one’s priest or spiritual father. The faithful are encouraged to pray the Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion the night before or the morning before arriving at church. After entering the church, they light candles, venerate icons, and prayerfully participate in the Divine Liturgy.  

The priest prepares by saying the Entrance Prayers in front of the Beautiful Gate (Royal Doors) before or during the Orthros service. After vesting and washing his hands, he goes to the Proskomide Table (Greek: Προσκομιδή) to prepare the bread and wine for Holy Communion. During this Service of Preparation, the priest offers prayers, psalms, and commemoration for the living and the dead. The priest or deacon incenses the altar, icons, and nave. At the end of Orthros, the clergy pray in a low voice, “O Heavenly King,” and recite “Glory to God.” Then, the Divine Liturgy officially begins. 

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