Russian Orthodox Liturgical Resources

Liturgical Handbook
of the Practices of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
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Handbook of Liturgical Practice of the Russian Church Abroad
Liturgical Question:
Should the clergy and servers in the Altar ‘half-bow’, or incline their heads / upper body, during the consecration of the Holy Gifts?
Handbook Category: Prostrations, Bows and Kneeling (index)

A custom has emerged in some places, which is in fact an adoption of heterodox customs, of clergy and servers in the Altar ‘half bowing’, or inclining their heads or upper bodies forwards, at various moments in the Divine Liturgy (e.g. the ‘words of institution’, the epiclesis, and so on). This is not a practice of our Church and must not be done.

In the Altar, we always stand fully upright and attentive; and at the appointed solemn moments we cross ourselves and make either a bow or prostration (as prescribed). Other postures of what amount to expressions of personal piety are not appropriate within the Altar, or elsewhere in the temple.

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This is an entry from our Liturgical Handbook of the practices of the Church Abroad. Please see the full handbook for more than 100 entries on other topics.

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