The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Orthodox Liturgy most visitors meet on Sunday: when it is served, its main movements, and how to begin following without knowing every word.

If you visit an Orthodox parish on an ordinary Sunday, this is usually the Liturgy you will attend. It is also served on many weekdays and feast days. The parish calendar will tell you when another service takes its place.

The name honors St. John Chrysostom, but it does not mean that he wrote every word now sung. The service has grown through the Church’s worship over many centuries.

What happens

The opening prayers draw the congregation into worship. There are psalms and hymns, an entrance with the Gospel book, an Epistle reading and the Gospel. A sermon helps explain the Scriptures, although its place in the service may vary.

Bread and wine are brought to the altar. The central Eucharistic prayer gives thanks to God, remembers Christ’s saving work and invokes the Holy Spirit. The faithful receive Holy Communion, followed by thanksgiving and the dismissal.

This is the basic shape to recognize. You need not keep your finger on every line.

What a visitor will notice

The prayers pass between priest, deacon and singers. The deacon usually leads the petitions when one is serving; a parish without a deacon will sound a little different. The choir or cantor leads much of the singing, and in many parishes the congregation joins the responses.

The Liturgy of St. Basil follows much the same shape but has longer priestly prayers, especially the central Eucharistic prayer. Chrysostom’s is the familiar starting point for understanding that difference.

If you are not Orthodox, remain in your place when Communion begins. An Orthodox visitor should speak with the priest beforehand about preparation. Attendance and receiving Communion are not the same thing.

For the practical questions, begin with Your First Divine Liturgy. Return to the Liturgy guide to compare the services.

The full text of this Liturgy is now here, with a printable booklet (PDF). This short guide is a place to begin, and the parish’s own service book will help you follow the words used there.