The Liturgy of Preparation or Proskomedia. The Lamb sits on the diskos (paten). The priest takes up the prosphoron for the Living. He then takes out smaller particles in commemoration of others among the living. He must always commemorate the Bishop who ordained him (if he is still among the living), the clergy who are concelebrating with him, and any living Orthodox Christian whom he wishes.

Archpastoral Message of His Grace Job, Bishop of Kashira, Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in Canada, on the Occasion of the 118th Year of Establishing Orthodoxy in Canada

In the name of the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit:

Dear brothers and sisters;

Today we celebrate the most important spiritual event in Canadian history, in honor of the first Orthodox Liturgy on Canadian soil. What is it that is so important about the Holy Liturgy? The fact that it is the continuation of “the Mystical Supper” and that Christ Himself is present. During the Holy Liturgy the Holy Spirit descends upon the Gifts transforming Them into the Body and Blood of Christ; and through Them, making us part of the Body of Christ.

Preparing for a liturgy, one must properly get ready, by preparing oneself mentally for the spiritual connection with God and prayer. After the singing of the “Creed” the deacon pronounces “Let us stand well. Let us stand with fear. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy Oblation in peace”. The most important part of the liturgy now begins!

When the choir sings “We lift them up unto the Lord” in answer to the priest’s “Let us lift up our hearts”, this must be the central part of our prayer during the liturgy. These words reflect the meaning of all our daily life. Our entire life with all its pettiness, our work, food, rest, and distractions; everything must be centered around Christ. The Holy Fathers compare our meeting with the Lord to the groom meeting his bride at the wedding. We make an effort to be on time when meeting the person we love most. Likewise, we must hurry to the liturgy to meet our Beloved God.

In support of Christ’s presence at the Holy Liturgy, I would like to present the following miracle. Once upon a time, Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, being a deacon, was serving at a liturgy. After the “Small Entrance”, at the “Royal Doors”, he proclaimed “O, Lord, save the pious, and hearken unto us”. Then turning towards the people said “and unto the ages of ages”. A light, brighter than the sun, illuminated him. Looking at the light, Venerable Seraphim saw the Lord in the form of “The Son of Man” in glory, shining with a miraculous light; surrounded by Heavenly Powers, Angels and Archangels! Jesus Christ was walking on air, from the rear doors of the church to the altar.

The second important miracle, which happens at every Holy Liturgy, is the descent of the Holy Spirit. At the moment of the blessing of the Eucharistic Gifts, the Holy Spirit descends invisibly on the bread and wine, which are on the Holy Table.

Once upon a time, when Saint Sergius of Radonetz, was celebrating the Holy Liturgy, one of his students being an altar server, saw a Heavenly Flame descend on the Holy Gifts during the blessing, and surrounding the abbot. Venerable Sergius communed of the Holy Fire, from the Holy Chalice without burning himself. Partaking of this “Blessed Fire” from the Holy Spirit, which today descends on the Holy Table in the altar, let our souls burn with love and peace.

Saint Simeon the New Theologian, left us wonderful words about the presence of God, in man, after communion. Returning to his poor cell, after communion of the Holy Mystery, he is sitting on a bench, looking at his body he says: “how frightful: these weak hands; this old and dying body. This is the Body of Christ Himself, and this wretched cell, wider then Heaven; because Heaven can not on its own, grasp the fullness of the Living God; but in this cell, through me, because I have communed of the Holy Mysteries, God’s corporal fullness resides in me».

After the Liturgy, it is advisable to save that which we have acquired. The soul empties when it loses Christ. The Lord comes to us, not only for a few hours on Sunday’s. Christ wishes to live in our hearts permanently. There are some people who regret the end of the Holy Liturgy. They say “How nice it would be if the Holy Liturgy lasted forever!” In reality the Holy Liturgy never ends for a true christian because he continually gives thanks to the Lord for everything.

Let us remember, that service to God renews our strength, rather than remove it. Our short prayer during the Holy Liturgy, can bring blessings to us, all week long; as well as the family and endeavours of each person for all his life.

May the Lord help us “That with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and hymn Thy most honorable and majestic name: of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages”. Amen!
Sunday July 21, 2015. Orthodox Centerary Site Wostok, Alberta.