While visiting a monastery in Ukraine and after a few days, during a long liturgy, the monk that was interpreter told me to sit on the bench. He said that sometimes it is better to sit and think about God rather than stand and think about legs.
@@hara3435 i was wondering if you knew of any resources that I can use im order to make sure im doing lent right? And more info on orthodox please im trying to take my faith more seriously after not being able to for so long.
There are a few seats usually in Greek Orthodox churches, especially on the sides of the church. Nonetheless, even the seated will stand at certain times. What are these times? I have a provisional list: Whenever the priest gives a blessing, whenever the priest comes through the screen, whenever we make the sign of the cross, when the great entrance is made, when the Gospel is read, when the priest is censing the congregation, while the congregation is receiving the Holy Communion, as well as all the time during Holy Week when even the elderly sometimes have nowhere to sit. My understanding is that everyone who is able stands before the King of Heavens, that being the most respectful attitude - not necessarily kneeling or prostrating as if before a potentially vengeful worldly ruler.
In Greece all churches and monasteries have chairs. My confessor (is that the correct word?) told me to try to stand, at least, after the Great Entrance...
From a Europe, thank you for explaining that. I'll add that even in Europe there are usually a few chairs or benches along the wall where the elderly, disabled or tired children can sit.
My family and I used to go to a Serbian orthodox church and we were always standing When I visited a friend's Catholic Church They were sitting on benches then getting on their knees during prayer
I have been in Catholic and Protestant churches for various reasons since converting to Orthodoxy, and cannot bring myself to sit. It just seems so strange to me now. Of course, during the course of Liturgy my back may become tired and I will sit for a bit, but then stand again after.
Medieval Cathedrals in the West didn't have pews either until recently. I remember reading somewhere (perhaps Timothy Ware) that Orthodox christians were children in their Father's house rather than the western idea of troops on a parade ground.
In my Greek Orthodox parish the faithful and especially the altar severs are requested to maintain a full prostration during the epiklesis and concentration out of respect for the miracle taking place. It’s like in the icons of the Transfiguration and Theophany where even the angels cover and divert their eyes due to the raw glory. It is our encounter with God.
Old people really have a hard time standing for hours. They can't just sit on the floor either, so I can understand why there are chairs. Perhaps, having movable chairs on the sides would be the best. But chairs, and especially pews, in the middle can be very troublesome as Father mentioned, especially for prostrations .
There is a history about pews in churches, they didn't come into force until the mid 15th century, and prior to that they were usually built on the walls of the church and were made of stone. Wooden pews were built after the 15th century, and mostly for the wealthy and well to do within any community and at a cost because wealthy families were expected to pay to sort of rent their pews. The best pews were to the front of the church and were quite ornate too. Thank you for your explanation which makes perfect sense, I can remember as a child being prompted to 'stand' by my Yiayia with a thunderous look on her face because we were not standing already........ah those were the days. lol
While visiting a monastery in Ukraine and after a few days, during a long liturgy, the monk that was interpreter told me to sit on the bench. He said that sometimes it is better to sit and think about God rather than stand and think about legs.
Discouraged protestant seriously looking into Orthodoxy. This is really helpful!
sooo... ??? update?
Everyone is welcome to Greek Orthodox Church you don't have to be Greek ,
just a Hue man Being.
@@hara3435 i was wondering if you knew of any resources that I can use im order to make sure im doing lent right? And more info on orthodox please im trying to take my faith more seriously after not being able to for so long.
Otho = correct
Doxia = worship
Correct way to worship
Ok you are saved by your faith, ...why not worship the Lord now?
Bro I need a update❤
This video is a lifeline in our current situation. Love Greek orthodox church
Thank you Father. I'm an Orthodox curious Protestant. Thank you for this explanation. Bless. SD
Father has such a wonderful sense of humor.
Blessed Lent
This was an eye-opening video! As a Catholic, we were admonished against moving around in the church when services are ongoing. Thank you for this.
There are a few seats usually in Greek Orthodox churches, especially on the sides of the church. Nonetheless, even the seated will stand at certain times. What are these times? I have a provisional list: Whenever the priest gives a blessing, whenever the priest comes through the screen, whenever we make the sign of the cross, when the great entrance is made, when the Gospel is read, when the priest is censing the congregation, while the congregation is receiving the Holy Communion, as well as all the time during Holy Week when even the elderly sometimes have nowhere to sit.
My understanding is that everyone who is able stands before the King of Heavens, that being the most respectful attitude - not necessarily kneeling or prostrating as if before a potentially vengeful worldly ruler.
Δόξα τω θεώ! Very well said father! ☦
In Greece all churches and monasteries have chairs. My confessor (is that the correct word?) told me to try to stand, at least, after the Great Entrance...
It’s not tru that στασίδι is from Protestant the churches in Hellas they always had sits for the faithful
Thanks for the heads up on rattlesnakes
No problem 👍
From a Europe, thank you for explaining that. I'll add that even in Europe there are usually a few chairs or benches along the wall where the elderly, disabled or tired children can sit.
My family and I used to go to a Serbian orthodox church and we were always standing
When I visited a friend's Catholic Church They were sitting on benches then getting on their knees during prayer
This is refreshing
Thank you!
I have been in Catholic and Protestant churches for various reasons since converting to Orthodoxy, and cannot bring myself to sit. It just seems so strange to me now. Of course, during the course of Liturgy my back may become tired and I will sit for a bit, but then stand again after.
I did not expect that snake part at the end!🤣 well played 👍
Medieval Cathedrals in the West didn't have pews either until recently. I remember reading somewhere (perhaps Timothy Ware) that Orthodox christians were children in their Father's house rather than the western idea of troops on a parade ground.
In my Greek Orthodox parish the faithful and especially the altar severs are requested to maintain a full prostration during the epiklesis and concentration out of respect for the miracle taking place. It’s like in the icons of the Transfiguration and Theophany where even the angels cover and divert their eyes due to the raw glory. It is our encounter with God.
Thank you
Old people really have a hard time standing for hours.
They can't just sit on the floor either, so I can understand why there are chairs.
Perhaps, having movable chairs on the sides would be the best.
But chairs, and especially pews, in the middle can be very troublesome as Father mentioned, especially for prostrations .
Ethiopia Orthodox also stand for 70 percent of the service
There is a history about pews in churches, they didn't come into force until the mid 15th century, and prior to that they were usually built on the walls of the church and were made of stone. Wooden pews were built after the 15th century, and mostly for the wealthy and well to do within any community and at a cost because wealthy families were expected to pay to sort of rent their pews. The best pews were to the front of the church and were quite ornate too. Thank you for your explanation which makes perfect sense, I can remember as a child being prompted to 'stand' by my Yiayia with a thunderous look on her face because we were not standing already........ah those were the days. lol
Thank you for the interesting history and your valuable time posting this!
It also separates the people.
We need the pews there are so many elderly and sick and disabled …I could not go unless I had a chair
Every Orthodox Church has seats on the side for them or for people in general when they get tired of standing
🌺
😇🇬🇷💙
What about the handicapped?
Father Angelo will be answering your question in tonight's Orthodoxy Questions Answered live show.
@@annunciationorthodox on RUclips?
Big "T" traditions and then there are little "t" traditions. Is this a big T or a little t?
Rattle snake was a joke right?
My parish doesnt have pews and also doesnt march with blm 😏