On the First Sunday of Lent the Church celebrates Triumph of Orthodoxy. On March 4 priest Igor Tarasov served the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at St. George’s Church. During his sermon he continued to lecture on Divine Liturgy. This time Fr. Igor was telling about the beginning of the Liturgy of the Faithful and about the ceremony called the Great Entrance. It was stressed that the Cherubic Hymn sung at that point of the Liturgy is the heart of the celebration. Faithful represent the Angelic powers in a mystical way and need to lay aside all their earthly cares. For this reason, it is important to be attentive in the church when the Cherubic Hymn is sung. People present in the temple should not unnecessary move, light candles or do other things during that solemn moment. Fr. Igor also explained the symbolism and history of the prayers offered with the hands raised up, as it is done by the priest during the Cherubic Hymn. This pious practice can be found in many religions. For us it originates in the Old Testament, from the prayerful endeavor of Moses who kept his hands elevated praying to God Who gave him revelation from on high.
At the end of the Liturgy Fr. Igor had a short instruction on special lenten services, such as the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. It will be celebrated at St. George’s for the first time in many years.
After the Liturgy Fr. Igor and parishioners enjoyed a modest but delicious meal together.