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Hierarchal Divine Liturgy Sunday November 17, 2002 Part I |
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Glenn & Reader Spyridon wait at the door to greet and ring the bells at the Bishop's arrival. |
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Last minute plans and instructions shared between Clergy as they await the Archbishop's entrance. |
The Archbishop will be presented a traditional bouquet of flowers. |
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Archbishop DMITRI arrives and is warmly greeted on behalf of all by Reader Spyridon. |
The entering Archbishop receives Bread, Salt, and Flowers, a rich symbolic Christian tradition. |
Christ, our one "Bread of Life", the Savor of Salt as we live as His Disciples, and the Beauty & Sweetness of God's Kingdom are symbolized by each of our humble gifts. |
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| Joyful bells & Clergy greet Vladika with the Cross, Candles, Cozier, and Purple Mantiya. | Clothed in his Mantiya, the Bishop enters as the Choir begins to gladly sing, "It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos . . ." | The Archbishop briefly stands at the Ambo (a step signifying an elevated spot which the Lord preached to His people), his feet upon a small rug called an "Orlets", which depicts an eagle hovering over a city. |
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The Orlet rug's depiction symbolizes his spiritual rule over the city, with the eagle reminding the Bishop that through his life and teachings, he is called to rise above his flock and to aspire to the things of Heaven. |
The Bishop's roses are now placed upon the icon of Christ and the Holy Theotokos. |
Acolytes in rapt attendance observe the Archbishop as the Protodeacon censes chanting "Bless Master, the holy incense". |
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| With purple Mantiya and black monastic veiled Klobuk removed, Vladika Dmitri prepares to be Vested by the Clergy for the sacred services. | A white clothed covered table is brought forward with Vestments laid upon it, as the Choir sings, ". . . for He hath clothed You with the garment of salvation; and with the robe of gladness has he encompassed you . . . " | The Archbishop puts garments worn by all Orthodox Priests - cuffs which symbolize the bonds with which Christ's hands were bound, and the belt or "zone" which remind the Priestly celebrant to place his hope, not in his own strength, but in the help of God alone. |
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As Christ's robe was without seam, so to the Bishop, as an icon of Christ, wears the side-buttoned "Saccos", which is a symbolic garment of humility, (literally, a "sackcloth" garment) which signifies the Bishop must strive to rise to the holiness in the "wholeness" of his life. |
Draped over the Saccos, the Bishop wears a wide Orarion (stole), called the Omophorion (shoulder covering) which in ancient times was made of sheepskin. It hangs down in front & back, representing wandering sheep which Christ took upon his shoulders as the "Good Shepherd", which the Bishop must also emulate. |
The Bishop prays as he places around his neck a small circular icon called a Panagia (All Holy) and a Pectoral Cross, and prepares to receive from the Acolyte his embroidered, golden Miter, symbolizing as does a crown, the power bestowed upon a Minister of the Church. |
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| Fully Vested with Palitsa, or "theighshield" on his right side, symbolizing the sword of the spirit, the living Word of God. | Father Antonio and Archbishop Dmitri intently pray as the 3rd & 6th Hours are read (chanted) by Reader Spyridon. | Protodeacon Patrick censing the Church during the 6th Hour Prayers. |
| To Bishop's Visit | To Parish Life | |
