At this point of the Liturgy we have just finished the "Antiphons" or joyful praise and prayer.
The important thing to remember is that we come to give our own willing sacrifice, not just to receive. We seek to join in Christ's willing sacrifice for us out of our free will and love.
Now in the Liturgy we will take a step forward to something deeper; the “Small Entrance” in which we approach the Throne of God! Wow all that just from the Priest walking from the side door, around the front of the congregation, through the “Royal Door” and the Altar?
In this part of the Liturgy, the Altar actually represents the Kingdom of God, and when the Priest walks, he represents Christ who leads the Church to the Kingdom. Remember that as Orthodox Christians we know that Christ is the only way to God the Father. In fact He tells us that Himself.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
With the Small Entrance, we have come to the high point of the synaxis. Now God will speak to us. Given that we’re about to hear the Word of God, this part of the Liturgy is also known as the “Liturgy of the Word”.
Why is it that the Priest would call out, “Wisdom, let us be attentive”, basically telling us to listen? This is the highest point of the teaching part of the Liturgy. Remember that in the early Church they didn’t meet regularly for a lot of different reasons (like being fed to lions!). This first part of the Liturgy might be the only instruction available to those trying to join the Church, becoming Christian. In fact the first section of the Liturgy is also known as the “Liturgy of the Catechumens” and is for learning the Christian faith.
Now we hear an Epistle, or letter from the apostles. We read from al the epistles except the Book of Revelation. We don’t just randomly pick the weekly reading. There are epistle readings for special occasions and they follow a particular order to teach us important lessons during the year.
We still haven’t hear the Gospel reading, and before we do there is first a series of Alleluia’s sung which are greetings by happy people who very much want to receive God’s Word and are greeting Him. (What will YOUR reaction be when you greet the Lord?).
The Word is announced “Wisdom! Let us Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel, Peace be unto all.” Now the Priest (or Deacon) will read the day’s Scripture lesson, but we’re still not quite done with this part of the Liturgy. The Priest is given a special teaching ministry which is delivered through his sermon. This is often moved to the end of the Liturgy, mainly because so many of us arrive too late! Following the Sermon, we have the Litany of Fervent Supplication, and it is during this part of the Liturgy that people could pray for their own needs.
Now the Liturgy of the Catechumens is brought to a close.
At this point, in the early Church, both catechumens and those who were unable
to take Holy Communion were required to leave.