What Happens at the Divine Liturgy?
The Divine Liturgy is the central act of Orthodox Christian worship. It is not a memorial service or a symbolic re-enactment of the Last Supper. It is the actual sacrifice of Christ — His Body and Blood truly offered on the altar — made present through the epiclesis (the invocation of the Holy Spirit) and received by the faithful in Holy Communion. When Orthodox Christians gather on Sunday morning, they are not attending a religious program — they are entering into heaven itself.
Saint John of Kronstadt described the Liturgy this way: "Heaven and earth are one at the Divine Liturgy." The icons on the walls are not decorations — they depict the saints and angels who are present invisibly at every celebration. The incense is not atmosphere — it is prayer made visible, rising to God as the Psalmist asked (Psalm 141:2). The chant is not entertainment — it is the voice of the whole Church, living and departed, raised in one hymn of praise.
When the first Russian envoys witnessed the Divine Liturgy in Constantinople, they reported: "We knew not whether we were in heaven or on earth. For on earth there is no such splendor or such beauty, and we are at a loss how to describe it." This experience launched the Baptism of Russia.
The Structure of the Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom (the most commonly celebrated form) has two main parts: the Liturgy of the Catechumens (centered on Scripture readings and the sermon) and the Liturgy of the Faithful (centered on the Eucharistic prayer and communion). In the early Church, those preparing for baptism (catechumens) were dismissed before the Eucharistic portion — hence the name. Today, the same division reminds us of the distinction between initial hearing of the Word and the full participation of the baptized.
The high point of the Liturgy is the Anaphora (the Eucharistic prayer) and the Epiclesis (the invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the gifts). The priest prays: "Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here presented, and make this bread the precious Body of Your Christ, and that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Your Christ, transforming them by Your Holy Spirit."
Receiving Holy Communion
Orthodox Christians receive Holy Communion in the mouth from a spoon, receiving both the Body and Blood of Christ together. Preparation for communion involves fasting, prayer (the Communion Preparation Prayers the night before), and confession if one is burdened by serious sin. Communion is not a private act of personal piety — it is participation in the life of the entire Body of Christ, the Church.
Do not pass by the Liturgy. What other mercy do you have that is comparable to this? Every day Christ is offered for you, every day His blood is shed for the remission of your sins.
— St. John Chrysostom