The Divine Liturgy is the principal Eucharistic service of Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches. Its central celebration is the Eucharist, but the name covers the whole ordered service—from Scripture and prayers to the offering of bread and wine, Communion, and dismissal.
Which churches use the name Divine Liturgy?
Eastern Orthodox churches use the term especially for the principal Sunday Eucharistic service and for services on feast days. In Byzantine-rite churches, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is used on most Sundays; the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is used on specified Sundays of Great Lent and on St. Basil’s feast day.
Eastern Catholic churches also use it, especially in Byzantine-rite traditions such as the Melkite. Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic churches also commonly use the title. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Eucharistic service is ordinarily called Mass, while “liturgy” can name the church’s full order of worship. Some Catholics, Episcopalians, and Anglicans also use “Divine Liturgy” for the Eucharist, although “Mass” or “Holy Eucharist” is more common in current American usage.
What happens during a Divine Liturgy?
The service follows a set order. After opening prayers and hymns, Scripture is read, including the Epistle and Gospel, and a bishop or priest preaches. The congregation prays for the church and the world. Bread and wine are brought forward, and the priest presides over the Eucharistic Prayer, which includes the Words of Institution. Communion follows, then the dismissal. A deacon, altar servers, musicians, and the congregation take part.
What will visitors notice?
Much of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy is chanted, with hymns, psalm verses, and responses. Icons, candles, incense, vestments, and the altar are prominent. The service includes processions, bows, kneeling, and the sign of the peace. Orthodox and Byzantine-rite Eastern Catholic worshipers commonly receive Communion kneeling from a spoon, while Latin-rite Catholics ordinarily receive a host. Details of posture and participation differ among congregations.
How is it different from the Liturgy of the Hours?
Like other Eucharistic services, the Divine Liturgy centers on the bread and wine, but its order follows an Eastern Christian liturgical pattern: strong emphasis on Scripture, the psalms, chanted prayers, the church calendar, icons, and the Eucharist. It is not the Liturgy of the Hours, a set of prayer services outside the Eucharist.
What should a first-time visitor expect?
Arrive a little early and ask where visitors should sit. A printed service booklet often follows the same sequence as the singing. Follow the congregation during standing, kneeling, and crossing oneself, and receive Communion only if eligible under the church’s rules. The Eucharistic prayer and consecration are central, and the altar is treated with reverence. If you plan to photograph the icons, clergy, or altar, ask first; many churches restrict photography during services. During Great Lent, expect additional preparatory and penitential prayers.