What Is the Divine Liturgy?

The Divine Liturgy is the principal Eucharistic service of the Orthodox Church. It is the central act of Christian worship in which the faithful gather to hear the Scriptures, offer prayer and thanksgiving, and receive Holy Communion.

The Eucharist is at the center

The word Eucharist means thanksgiving. In the Divine Liturgy, bread and wine are offered and become the Body and Blood of Christ according to the faith of the Church. Holy Communion is therefore not treated as a symbol only, but as a true participation in the life of Christ.

What happens during the service?

The Divine Liturgy includes hymns, litanies, readings from the Epistles and Gospels, the recitation of the Nicene Creed, the Eucharistic prayer, and Holy Communion. The exact form may vary somewhat according to the liturgical tradition and calendar.

Why is the service called "Divine"?

The name reflects the Church's understanding that worship is not merely a human gathering. The faithful enter into the worship of the Kingdom of God and join their prayers with the whole Church, including the saints and angels.

Who may receive Holy Communion?

In Orthodox practice, Holy Communion is normally received by baptized and chrismated Orthodox Christians who are prepared according to the discipline of their parish and spiritual guidance. Visitors are welcome to attend the service, but questions about receiving Communion should be discussed with the priest.

Participation is more than watching

The Divine Liturgy is not intended as a performance for an audience. The people participate through prayer, responses, singing, standing, making the sign of the Cross, and receiving the Sacraments according to their preparation.

For Orthodox Christians, the Divine Liturgy is the heart of parish life because it gathers the Church around Christ in thanksgiving, prayer, and Holy Communion.