In this brochure we have acquainted the reader with the
history of the development of the church building and its layout, as well as
with the significance of various objects found in the church. We have spoken
about the main types of services and the daily, weekly and yearly cycles of
divine services. We have reminded the reader of the basic rules of behavior in
church. We have explained the importance of Holy Communion and how to prepare
for it.
When we go to church, we must put ourselves in the
proper disposition, reminding ourselves that we are entering another world,
distinct from our usual world of vanity and temptations. Here, in the church,
we stand before our Creator and Saviour; here we offer Him the sacrifice of praise
and thanksgiving together with the angels and the saints.
In order for the time we spend in church to be
spiritually profitable, we must penetrate deeply into the content of the divine
services, meditate on them and immerse ourselves in them. Prayer together with
other Christians in church is a great force for renewal. When we consciously
share in this grace-filled prayer it cleanses our consciences, gives peace to
our souls, perfects us, strengthens our faith and kindles the love of God in
our hearts.
And so, let us treasure our Orthodox church as an
island of heaven on the sinful earth. Let us work together for its beauty and
the magnificence of the divine services which are performed in it. And may the merciful and compassionate Lord send us His spiritual
and temporal gifts, so that, guarded by His all-powerful help, we may be made
worthy of eternal life in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
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