Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Mission of the Divine Liturgy

  
The Mission of the Divine Liturgy, by Elder Sophrony of Essex (amateur translation)
The greatest missionary activity occurs with the Divine Liturgy.
When the Fathers came to any place or city, they set up an Altar. And this is because, when in the Divine Liturgy the heart is sweetened, then one seeks God, and begins to desire to live the Orthodox ecclesiastical life, whose center is the divine Eucharist.
I told the brotherhood to keep in the Monastery first and foremost the Divine Liturgy.
The prayers in the Divine Liturgy should not be said in a personal tone, because at that hour the Priests speak for all those who are praying, and because of this, the Priests should not pray with personal emotions.
They do not serve as individuals.
(source)
  
St. Silouan the Athonite and Elder Sophrony of Essex (the latter of whom has not been officially canonized) (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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