Liturgy
An introduction to four Orthodox liturgies, with a place to begin for your first visit and short explanations of Vespers and Matins.
The first time you attend an Orthodox service, there is quite a lot to take in. I would begin by listening. The words and movements become familiar with time; nobody needs to master them before walking through the door.
Start here: Your First Divine Liturgy. It explains what happens, when to stand or sit, and what to do when people approach the chalice.
These short guides explain which service you are attending and what you may notice. Chrysostom and Basil will look much alike. The Presanctified Gifts has a different, Lenten character. St. James is a rarer service that you may never encounter on an ordinary Sunday.
Beginning with Vespers
The Church’s liturgical day begins in the evening, so Saturday Vespers already looks toward Sunday and the Resurrection. You will hear psalms and petitions, and hymns that change with the day. Ordinary Vespers does not include Holy Communion. A service advertised as a Vesperal Liturgy is a different arrangement.
Check the parish calendar before going. Vespers may be served on its own or joined to other services in a Vigil.
When Does the Day Begin? considers this evening beginning more personally.
On a personal note: if you can, come to Vespers between late fall and early spring. The service begins after dark, and often the church is lit only by candles and the lamps before the icons. When the choir sings “O Gladsome Light” in that glow, you understand why the Church has sung it at lamplighting for so many centuries.
Read the full text of Great Vespers, with who says what and a printable booklet. At the All-Night Vigil it continues in Sunday Matins.
Beginning with Matins
Matins is a service of prayer in its own right, not simply the waiting time before Liturgy. Its psalms, readings and hymns vary with the day. On Sundays, the Resurrection is at its heart.
Some parishes serve it before the Divine Liturgy; others include it in a Vigil the evening before. Look for either “Matins” or “Orthros” on the schedule. You can attend without knowing the music or having a book.
Read the full text of Sunday Matins, with who says what and a printable booklet. At the All-Night Vigil it follows Great Vespers.