Question first
appeared on March 27, 2005
What
is the proper way to reverence the altar when the curtains are closed?
Are you supposed to cross yourself when you pass at the front or back
of the church? Also, I see people
stop at the front of the side aisles to cross themselves after they take
communion and I also see people who do not stop.
Which is proper?
Whether
the curtains are opened or closed before the altar, the proper practice is the
same. But before answering your
question specifically, let me address a side issue that will help.
When
entering or leaving the church sanctuary, the faithful should do so through
the center door. The side doors at
the back of the church and the door by the bishop’s throne are there for
emergency/fire control.
Using
the center door, therefore, one enters by bowing slightly toward the altar and
making the sign of the cross. Then
the icon of St. George or the icon of the day which is on the maritha is
venerated. One then goes to say
private prayers at the candle stands should they so desire before taking their
seat.
One
leaves through the center door, again reverencing the icon on the maritha,
then turning and bowing toward the altar, making the sign of the cross, before
exiting.
After
receiving Holy Communion and receiving a piece of antidoron (holy bread), one
should face East (toward the altar) and make the sign of the cross.
Evidently some are doing this at the side aisle before they start to
walk down it. This is also proper.
©Very
Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, March 27, 2005
|
Back to Keyword/Topic Index |
Home |
|
