Outline of Orthodox Divine Liturgy (GOCGO)

This is a simple overview of the Divine Liturgy of Saint Chrysostom, the most commonly utilized worship service in the Orthodox Church. Orthodox Divine Liturgy is drawn directly from the Christian records as early as 95 A.D. Through the writings of early Christians such as Clement of Rome and Saint Justin Martyr, Orthodoxy inherited and maintained the worship instructions of the Apostles.

If you are familiar with the Last Supper you are already familiar with the Orthodox Divine Liturgy. Orthodox believe that this is more than a representation of Christ's offering of Himself, and that His Body and Blood are truly present in the eucharistic offering.

Liturgy of the Word	1 Readings from the Old Testament: Psalms sung as "Antiphons" 2 Small Entrance: Symbolizing Christ's early ministry 3 Reading of the Epistle: God's teaching of us via readers of His Word 4 Reading of the Gospel: The good news that Christ brought to the world 5 Preaching: Sermon, symbolizing the teachings of Christ, often moved to end of Liturgy 6 End of the "Liturgy of Catechumens"
Liturgy of the Eucharist	1) "He took" - Great Entrance: Symbolizes Jesus' greatest sacrifice ? Kiss of Peace ? Creed
	2) "He gave thanks" = Anaphora	A) Thanksgiving to the Father	a) Thanks for all of creation
			b) Trinitarian praise: Sanctus, praise to the living God
			c) Thanks for His Son and our redemption
		B) Memorial of the work of the Son	a) institution of the Eucharist, "take, eat"
			b) Anamnesis, "do this in remembrance"
			c) Anaphora, offering of "lifting up"
		C) Invocation for descent of the Holy Spirit D) Final doxology	a) Epiclesis, petition by the Priest to call on the Holy Spirit for the consecration of the people of God and the Holy Gifts
			b) Commemoration of the dead, hymn to the Theotokos
			c) Prayer for the living and Body of the Church
	3) He broke- Fraction	A) Lord's Prayer, calling to God the Father
		B) Holy Things for the Holy: The Bread of Life, summoning faithful to partake
		C) Fractions of the Bread into one cup for unity through Communion
	4) He "gave" Communion	A) "With the fear of God, faith and love draw near . . ."
		B) "We have seen the true light..." God is in the midst of His people.

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Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Omaha

A Brief Outline of Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy

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