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The Hierarchical Liturgy Made Easy

The "Standard" Course

This is not the fancy version. It's just the standard practice - just what we're supposed to do, according to the book [the Arkhieratikon] and as per the mind of the Church, e.g. just what the Patriarch, Vatican, and Pope want us to do.

Preliminary Notes:

After you've did the Hierarchical Liturgy a couple of times, you were surprised that it's suddenly become second nature to you, eh? Come on, be honest! Ok, maybe you can't say that "you could do it in your sleep", but it's no longer a traumatic experience requiring years of therapy, right?!

These Standard rubrics are basically the same as the "Simple" rubrics except that here I have included the rubrics for:

1. Bishop using the Small Omophor during the Service (cf. photo of the New Martyr, St. Leonty, suffragan Exarch of Metr. Andirj Sheptytskyj); and

2. Servers doing the Orletsi (Eagle Rugs).

Liturgical Tip:

The Trikeri Subdeacon/Server stands on the South side and the Dikeri on the north. That way, when Bishop puts out his hands, he'll get the correct candlesticks. (The odd time, e.g. the Great Entrance, Trikeri/Dikeri need to switch places because Bishop has turned around, cf. infra. But then they swtich back afterwards.)

EAGLE RUGS ("Orletsi"):

Bishop whilst serving liturgically stand on a small circular rug whereon is depicted an Eagle flying over a City.

Try to get 5 Eagle Rugs. 8 is even better if you can swing it - less work for the Servers!

- before Liturgy, start off by laying down Eagle Rugs:

- at the High Place (can be left there "permanently" {i.e. throughout the Liturgy})

- at the Kathedra (can be left there "permanently")

- on the Ambo (2 orletsy, one facing east & the other west) - they will need to be moved

- at the Icon of the Feast/Temple (if it is a Praznyk) - removed after the Iconostas Prayers.

- Heads-Up:

- at some point (cf. below) during the liturgy, an orlets will be put (temporarily):

- at the Entrance where the Bishop is greeted (beginning of Liturgy)

- at the Holy Table (not too close) (e.g. for the Trisagion Prayer)

- on the Ambo (facing west) - when the Bishop preaches

- at the Proskomidinyk (before the Great Entrance)

- in the Holy Doors (for the Great Entrance)

- south southwest of the southwest corner of the Holy Table (for the Kiss of Peace)

- at the Holy Table (up close) ( for the Creed)

- at the Holy Table (not too close) (for the Anaphora, etc.)

- the Servers standing with on the Solea in front of the Pantokrator and Theotokos are in charge of the Eagle rugs on the Ambo. Whenever Bishop is about to come out to bless the faithful, he lays down the Orlets. When Bishop finishes, he takes it up, folds it in half, and puts it at the foot of the iconostas. (The reason an Orlets should not just be left on the Ambo is that other clergy need to use the Ambo too.

- historical note: The Byzantine Emperors stood on cushions during imperial court ceremonials. When the Roman Imperial Throne was occupied by the invading Turks (as opposed to the invading Latins), the Bishops assumed the mantle and insignia of Byzantine imperial authority, e.g. the Crown (Mitra) and the Cushion (the Orlets). Cf. icons of Christ Enthroned - often depicted with feet on an imperial cushion)

- theological note: The Orlets symbolises the the Bishop's the Gospel Mission and Pastoral Authority over his Eparchy (as symbolised by the City, e.g. "Bishop of Toronto and Eastern Canada"). The Eagle Represents the Gospel (as in St. John the Evangelist).

THE CAST:

- ideally there should be at least 7 Servers.

- 2 (Subdeacons) for the Trikeri & Dikeri;

- 1 Server to hold the Bishop's Staff and stand (most often) on the Solea in front of the Pantokrator icon;

- 1 to hold the Candle on and stand (most often) on the solea in front of the Theotokos icon;

- 1 to hold the Arkhieratikon (Service-Prayer Book) for the Bishop; and

- 2 for generally fetching & carrying, dealing with the Eagle Rugs, carry the ripidia, etc., etc.

- ideally, there should be at least 2 deacons.

Liturgical Tip:

- the Server in charge of the Arkhieratikon should generally stand near the Bishops, ready to present the Book for the Bishop to read from.

- Remember hold the Book absolutely still - otherwise it's hard for Bishop to read a moving target! Also, don't lose the page! (In fact, try to anticipate what page Bishop will need.)

Liturgical Tip:

- the Server with the "zhezl" (Bishop's Pastoral Staff) usually stands throughout the Liturgy on the solea facing north, in front of the Pantokrator icon.

- the Server with a single long candle in a candlestick (symbol of Bishop's (and us) being the Light of Christ) usually stands thoroughout the Liturgy on the solea facing south, in front of the Theotokos icon.

Liturgical Tip:

- When Servers return to the Kathedra, they make a Reverence east (toward the High Place), then bow to the Bishop (receiving his blessing), and then bow to each other.

Besides being the proper form, it Looks super cool!

Before Liturgy

Greeting the Bishop at the back of the Church

As we wait for the Bishop's arrival, the Blahovyst Bell (big bass) is slowly rung.

As the Bishop is arriving, the Bell Ringers should toll the Trezvon (quick ringing) on the Small bells.

This cues the clergy to come to greet the Bishop. (Properly, the Bishop should be greeted outside the Temple, e.g. at the gates of the Church, where practicable.)

Clergy process to the back to welcome the Bishop:

The deacons should already be vested when they go to meet the Bishop. The first deacon carries the Trikeri and the 2d deacon the Dikeri. They hand if off to Subdeacons when the Bishop leads the clergy to the Iconostas for the Introductory Prayers.

The Servers come with the "zhezl" (Bishop's Staff) and the Candle to greet Bishop. The presbyters should come to greet the Bishop not yet vested. They should be wearing Pidriasnyk, Riassa, and Kamilavka/Klobuk. (The presbyters will vest at the same time that the Bishop is vested; and the Proskomidia by the junior-most presbyter & deacon thereafter.)

The presbyters line up in 2 rows, facing inward towards each other, and in order of rank (most senior closest to the Bishop {senior-most to the Bishop's right, 2d to the Bishop's left, 3d on the Bishop's right and behind the senior-most, 4th behind the 2d, etc.).

Bishop is greeted with Bread and Salt by designated representatives of the Community.

Bishop is vested with Mantiya and Pastoral Staff. Bishop hands off his Episcopal cane to the Zhezl Server (who can leave it at the back of the Temple [in a secure but easily accessible place] for the Bishop to pick up at the end of Liturgy.) [The Server can bring it back to the sacristy, but he will have to remember to bring it out at the end, when the Bishop leaves.]

Subdeacon puts down an Orlets and Bishop steps on to it.

Then the junior-most presbyter presents the Bishop with the Church hand cross on a cloth covered tray.

The Presbyters come up individually, in order of rank, and received the Bishop's blessing, kissing the Hand Cross & Bishop's hand after which they return to their places in line.

When finally the junior-most presbyter receives his blessing and venerates the Hand Cross, the Bishop returns the Hand Cross to the tray. The junior-most presbyter then returns the Hand Cross to the Holy Table when he next enters the Altar (to vest).

The clergy turn east and make a Reverence toward the High Place, turn west and bow toward the Bishop.

First Deacon proclaims: "May the Lord bless you from Zion; may you see the good of Jerusalem in your day!"

The Bishop leads the clergy to the Iconostas for the Prayers before the Iconostas. The Staffbearer now accompanies Bishop to the Ambo (helping him with the train of his Mantiya, if necessary). The Candlebearar follows the Bishop and stand below the solea, approx. 1 metre north of the 1st concelebrant who is lined up below the Theotokos icon.

The concelebrants "fish tail" following the bishop up to the front in order of rank (senior-most first), Singers: "From the rising to the setting of the sun, is the name of the Lord to be praised. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth and forevermore." and then "It is truly right to bless you...”

Subdeacon picks up the Orlets from the back/gate of the Church. Servers take the Orlets, the Trikeri/Dikeri, & the klobuk into the altar/sacristy.

Prayers before the Iconostas:

Lay down 2 Eagle Rugs on the Ambo, one facing the Holy Doors and one facing west. If it is a Feast day or a Praznyk) another one before the Icon of the Feast or Temple (whether that be an Iconostas Icon or a Tetrapod icon) (as the Bishop will go there to pray the Tropar of the Feast).

Concelebrants line up facing east, in order of rank (senior-most closest to the Bishop), arranging themselves in 2 rows in line with the Pantokrator or Theotokos icons.

After the Prayers, the Server gives the Bishop his Staff, who blesses the Faithful
Singers: “Ton dhespotin...”

Bishop leads clergy back to the Kathedra, who line up in the usual 2 rows according to rank. Bishop blesses the priests collectively so that they may to go into the Altar to vest. Staffbearer accompanies Bishop, helping with train etc. & stands at the foot of the Ambo/solea. Candlebearer turns westward to face Bishop but stays where he is.

Vesting the Bishop

The Deacons stand on the solea, facing west and incense the Bishop while he is being vested.

The 1st deacon, while incensing, solemnly and slowly, chants the vesting prayers for the Bishop, while the Subdeacons or Servers or Faithful vest the Bishop.

Two trays should be prepare:

1. An empty tray, ready to receive Bishop's panagia, klobuk, and mantiya. (The klobuk and mantiya can be taken away to the sacristy by a Server). Then Bishop's Mitra should be brought out placed on this tray - for the Bishop to put on after he puts his panagia on again.

2. A 2d tray or small table where Bishop's vestments should be laid out in the order in which he puts them on. The buttons should un UNfastened. The cross (stitched on the vestment) should be place facing up so that he can easily venerated it. And place the vestments so that they are "facing" the Bishop, i.e. in the "direction" he can easily put them on. Servers should have a couple of rehearsals, as the Big the Omophor as it can be tricky.

Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

Bishop blesses with the Trikeri/Dikeri in the 4 Directions.

Singers: Many Years (Mnohaya Lita) after every Blessing Servers (3) come to the Kathedra to help the Bishop wash his hands. One with a long towel or "rushnyk" draped over his neck & down the front & holding Ewer and Basin.

- The 1st Server pours water over Bishop hands into the basin.

- The other 2 help Bishop dry his hands by lifting the towel/rushnyk over the head of the 1st Server and holding it for Bishop.

After the drying, they replace the towel/rushnyk on the neck of the 1st.

The junior presbyter, once vested, servers the Proskomidia assisted by a junior deacon if available.

The other presbyters, now vested, process back (in 2 lines & according to rank) to the Kathedra.

During Liturgy

The ENARXIS

- Bishop blesses the Parish Priest & 1st Deacon to begin Liturgy

- Parish Priest goes into Altar via Deacon Door,

- He opens Holy Doors

- 1st Deacon intones: "Master, give the Blessing"

- Parish Priest: "Blessed be the Kingdom..."

- at the beginning of the Great Litany, the Staffbearer and Candlebearer ascends to the solea & take their usual place before the icons of the Pantokrator & Theotokos respectively.

- Bishop sends the Priests (individually, in order of rank) into the Altar to take the Vos-hlasy.

At the “Only Begotten Son”, Bishop blesses (collectively) all the remainder concelebrants to enter the Altar.

- Servers line up below the Ambo, facing west, and at the 3d Vos-hlas, bow to the Bishop (for his blessing) and enter the Altar and line up for the Little Entrance.

LITTLE ENTRANCE

Clergy process out to the Kathedra (in reverse order, i.e. Senior Priest 1st {& end up closes to the Bishop}),

Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

Deacon: “Wisdom”& turns toward Bishop

Clergy sing: "Come Let us Worship & fall down before Christ" [full stop, no further!!!] and wait for Bishop's blessing before continuing with the 2d half...

Bishop blesses with Trikeri/Dikeri & says Prayers of Hours (from the Arkhieratikon)

Clergy continue with the rest: “O Son of God...”

The 1st Deacon with Gospel leads Bishop into the Altar with concelebrants following.

Singers: “O Son of God...”(the entire antiphon 2x)

1st deacon receives Trikeri from Bishop & leads Bishop holding the Dikeri to do the Incensation Singers: “Eis Polla Eti Dhespota”(There is a special melody you can use, Click here for Sample )

Orlets: after Bishop leaves Kathedra for the Altar, Server takes Orlets, folds it in half and lays it on the side of the Kathedra (it will be needed at the Post Dismissal Blessing of the Servers, infra)

LITURGY OF THE WORD

- before the Trisagion, Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

- Bishop blesses the Holy Table.

At the Trisagion, Singers stop at the 2d Holy God (Svyatyj Bozhe). The 3d Holy God, is sung by in Greek by the Bishop & Clergy alone During Apostle Reading, priests greet the Bishop: kissing his hand, shoulder, & shield

GOSPEL PROCESSION

In the Gospel Procession, the 2d deacon carries Bishop’s omophor in front of the 1st deacon (who has the Gospel). The 2d deacon carries the omophor out through the Holy Doors down and around the Kathedra and immediately back into the Altar via the Holy Doors, while the 1st deacon proceeds as usual with the Gospel (flanked by subdeacons with ripidia).

(Theological note: this symbolises that the Bishop is himself under the authority of the Gospel, wherefore he removes his Big Omophor at this point, which submission to the Gospel is clearly demonstrated by showing the Congregation that he has removed his omophor at this point.)

(Rubrical note: according to the Byzantine tradition, Bishop does not remove his Mitra during the Gospel reading but rather keeps it ON.)

- after the Gospel, Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

- Bishop blesses with Trikeri/Dikeri

Singers: Many Years (Eis Polla...)

After the Gospel, lay down an Orlets in front of the Holy Table (not too close, about a metre way if possible).

GREAT ENTRANCE:

- Orlets laid in the Holy Door entrance.

- before the Great Entrance the Bishop washes his hands at the Holy Doors

Servers (3) come to the Kathedra to help the Bishop wash his hands. One with a long towel or "rushnyk" draped over his neck & down the front & holding Ewer and Basin. The 1st Server pours water over Bishop hands into the basin. The other 2 help Bishop dry his hands by lifting the towel/rushnyk over the head of the 1st Server and holding it for Bishop. After, they replace the towel/rushnyk on the 1st.

- Servers vest Bishop in the small omophor

Bishop completes Proskomidia

- clergy (major and minor) kiss Bishop shoulder & give him their names to be commemorated

- Servers unvest the Bishop of the small omophor

- Servers bring Bishop the thurible (the kadylo)

The Great Entrance Procession

- 2d Deacon carries Arkhieratikon - with Bishop’s Omophor & Mitra on it Servers in order:

- Candlebearer

- Staffbearer

- Trikeri Server

- who will ultimately go up on the Solea & stand just south of the Pantokrator icon

- Dikeri Server

- who will ultimately go up on the Solea & stand just north of the Theotokos icon

- Ripidia Servers

- who will ultimately go up on the Solea & stand before the Pantokrator & Theotokos icon

- etc.

- the other Servers (with Cross, candles, whatever) line up between the Kathedra & the Ambo - facing east. They stay there until they are blessed by the Bishop with the Trikeri/Dikeri. Then they re-enter the Altar.

- after the Servers, then any other junior deacons left, they process & enter the Altar immediately

- then the 1st deacon with Diskos

- then the Senior-most Presbyter with the Potir

- the the concelebrants in reverse order (senior most first)

- they line up (in the same order as for the Iconostas Prayers), in 2 rows, facing east, and aligned with the Pantokrator or Theotokos icons, senior-most closest to the Bishop.

The Great Entrance Commemorations:

- Bishop incensing while Gifts brought.

- 1st deacon gives Diskos to Bishop & enters Altar via Holy Doors

- the Senior-most Presbyter Commemorates the Bishop and steps back to his place in line.

- Senior Priest gives Potir to the Bishop, commemorating him, and stepping back to stand below solea facing east

- Bishop makes the Commemorations - praying for the entire Church.

- Presbyters enter the Altar via the Holy Doors.

- right after the Presbyters enter, the 2 Servers Trikeri & Dikeri switch sides - since Bishop will now be facing west to bless with the Trikeri/Dikeri.

–Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

- then Bishop bless with Trikeri/Dikeri,

- Singers: Many Years (Eis Polla)

–Servers take the Trikeri/Dikeri from Bishop and re-enter the Altar. They go back to their usual sides.
CREED:

- before the Creed, lay out an Orlets a metre south southwest off the southwest corner of the Holy Table for the Bishop to stand on during the Kiss of Peace.

- When the Kiss of Peace of over, move the Orlets (from the front of the Holy Table) right up to the Holy Table for the Creed. Removed the one used for the Kiss of Peace.

- during the Creed, 2 priests wave the Aer over the Bishop’s head at the Holy Table

Toward the End of the Creed, at "Who proceeds from the Father.":

- the Servers carrying Trikeri & Dikeri exit the Altar & stand on Solea

- the Servers with Candle & Bishop’s Staff go to the foot of the Ambo facing east (They do this whenever they receive the Bishop’s blessings)

ANAPHORA:

- at “Mercy of peace”, Servers give Bishop the Trikeri/Dikeri.

- at “Holy, Holy, Holy”, Servers vest Bishop in the small omophor

- after Epiklesis, Servers unvest Bishop of small omophor

- instead of “Among the first...”, The Pastor commemorates the Bishop

• the Bishop will commemorate the other hierarchs with whom he is in Communion),
• then the 1st deacon will commemorate the Bishop with “and for our God loving Bishop (Name) who offers these Holy gifts to the Lord our God”
• as the 1st deacon is commemorating the Bishop, he goes from the Holy Table to the High Place, makes a Reverence, and returns to the Bishop for a blessing. (Historical note: This is the remnant of the Deacon’s commemoration of the living)

- at “Attend O Lord”, Servers vest Bishop in the small omophor

- at “One is Holy”,

-- Close Holy Doors & Curtain,

-- Server who has the Candle (standing before Theotokos icon) puts it in front of Holy Doors

-- Server with Staff, leans it against the Holy Door Post & enters the Altar to help with stuff

When the Communion of the higher Clergy is finished:

- the Ambo Prayer is made by the most junior Priest

- Bishop does: “Save Your People...” then Priest continues with rest of Ambo Prayer

AFTER THE COMMUNION OF THE FAITHFUL

After "Lord Save Your People": Candlebearer & Staffbearer resume their places on the solea in front Pantokrator & Theotokos icons.

THE DISMISSAL

- the 1st deacon proclaims the Polychronion from the Solea

- then the clergy exit altar & together with the Faithful venerate the Festal icon & receive Antidoron and/or Myrovannya.

After Liturgy

- clergy re-enter the Altar

- the Holy Doors & Curtain are closed

- Servers help unvest Bishop at the Holy Table & vest him with mantiya & klobuk & panagia

- when Bishop is ready, open Holy Doors & Curtain

- Bishop exits Altar

- Close Holy Doors behind Bishop (but do not close the Curtain yet)

- Server hands Bishop his Staff.

- Bishop takes Staff, turns east, makes 3 Reverences, turns west & blesses the Faithful

- Singers: Many Years (Eis Polla)

- Bishop goes to Kathedra

- Servers accompany Bishop to Kathedra and line up in 2 rows facing inward (like concelebrants)

- Orlets Server: Unfold orlets on Kathedra for Bishop

- Bishop goes to the Kathedra

- Servers come up to Bishop (in pairs [from 1 from each side]) & receive an individual blessing from Bishop (who thus thanks them and discharges them from their Service)

- Bishop exits the Temple (accompanied by Servers

- at the Church Doors, Servers unvest Bishop of his mantiya

- Servers returns the mantiya to Altar & closes Curtain.

The End and Glory to God!

Much Thanks to Ilya Romanovitch Galadza, Chief Cantor at St. Elias Church, for his liturgical expertise which made these pages possible.

Ukrainian version
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Fr. Roman Galadza
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