The Orthodox Pages
ANSWERS TO EMAILS |
||||
Back |
|
|||
|
Question
47.
I have a
question about the praxis in the orthodox church. Is the Talk -Omilía a
part of the Divine Leitourgy, or it is not regular component of it? Answer to Question 47. Dear Ivan,
There are two kinds of talks usually offered by Orthodox Priests or
Theologians, the first is the sermon which takes place during the
Liturgy. This should be said immediately after the reading of the Gospel
lesson for the day, but in practice most parishes give the sermon later
during the preparation for Holy Communion. There are two reasons why the
sermon is moved to almost the end of the Liturgy: one - it saves time if
the sermon is given by a lay theologian, and two - because many people
(especially with young children) come late to the service and don't
manage to hear the Gospel reading: by postponing the sermon to the later
time it reaches more people. The sermon is usually on the meaning of the
Gospel or Apostle readings of the day or the meaning of the feast at
hand, but as it is said just before Holy Communion it will usually end
with some reference to the Holy Mysteries. Not all priests have
permission to give a sermon. They would need to have a theological
degree or at least to have enough education and spiritual knowledge
which would justify the Bishop giving his blessing to that priest to
give sermons. In parishes where the priest does not give a sermon, lay
theologians regularly visit for this purpose. Sadly, in villages, visits
from theologians are not so regular. In general sermons should not be
more than ten minutes and definitely not more than fifteen. The second
type of talk is more like a catechisms for adults and is usually offered
as a weekly evening talk. The subject can be on any spiritual matter
that the priests determines would be spiritually enlightening and
educational for his listeners. Talks usually last for an hour including
the time that should be allowed for possible questions and answers. |
|