Visiting St.
Nicholas for the first time
If you are making your first visit to St. Nicholas, some of the traditions here may be new to you. Below is a short guide to some of these traditions and practices. Making the sign of the cross (Blessing oneself) The Sign of the Cross is made with the right-hand, thumb and the first two fingers placed together proclaiming our belief in the Blessed Trinity. The remaining two fingers are put in the palm of the hand, indicating the two distinct natures of Jesus, Human and Divine. In the tradition of the Byzantine Rite, the forehead is touched first, followed by the chest, then the right shoulder followed by the left, confirming that we love God with all of our mind, heart, and strength. This way of blessing oneself is very ancient an was in use in the west until the middle ages.Venerating the Icon and Cross As the faithful enter the church they may approach and venerate the Icon and/or Cross located on the tetrapod (table) in front of the Altar. In front of the tetrapod, bow and cross yourself three times while silently reciting the Prayer:Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner. Oh God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. Oh Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. Kiss the icon and the hand cross, to show reverence for the person represented in the icon or cross. It is customary to kiss the feet or below the face of Our Lord, Our Lady or the Saint(s) in the icon. Kissing the face is considered to be too familiar. If time does not permit approaching the tetrapod when entering the church, go directly to a pew, making a small bow just before entering. Bowing There are four types of bows you will encounter at Saint Nicholas Church. Types of bows 1. Small bow 2. Deeper small bow – used during the Consecration 3. Profound bow 4. Prostration – used during Great Lent and on Feasts of the Cross Candles When you first arrive in the church, people may be lighting candles. Parishioners may pray and light candles in the candle stands. The candles represent the light of Christ and the flame of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:3). Icons Incense Theotokos or
Virgin Mary Holy Communion Holy Communion is given in the form of leavened Bread that has been soaked with the Precious Blood. Holy Communion is given to the communicant with a spoon. The Precious Body has been soaked with the Precious Blood. In order to receive, one merely opens the mouth wide, tilts the head back slightly so that the priest may "drop" the Sacred Body and Blood into your mouth. DO NOT close your mouth over the Communion Spoon. "Incorporated into the Church by Baptism, the faithful have received the sacramental character that consecrates them for Christian religious worship. The baptismal seal enables and commits Christians to serve God by a vital participation in the holy liturgy of the Church and to exercise their baptismal priesthood by the witness of holy lives and practical charity." - Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1273. |