Сын церковный
A Son of the Church is an Old Rite Christian handbook covering baptism, church custom, prayer, fasting, and Christian life.
This English translation presents the work known as Сын церковный, a Russian Old Rite handbook: Klintsy: press of Feodor Kartashev, catalogued as printed after 1793
Source: https://kp.rusneb.ru/item/reader/syn-cerkovnyy-2
English translation: Piece of Humanity
This is a reading translation of the Church Slavonic in the scan on this site. It is not a critical edition, not a priest’s blessing, and not a substitute for the Slavonic page. For a printed English handbook, buy “A Son of the Church”, tr. Hieromonk German Ciuba, Church of the Nativity (Old Rite), Erie.
Read it in its historical context. Listen to what it says. Then go to Church.
A website cannot pastor you. Find a parish.
Preface
Look at the preface of this book and attend with understanding.
Abba Jerome said: If you make a book, do not decorate it; that is a passion in you.
Whoever wants to know what is contained in this book, let him first, before the beginning and the chapters, search through the middle of it, turning leaves and numbers—such a one labors in vain.
When you take the book, first understand: look at its chapters and their numbers. You will see as on a tablet the good reading. Then it is set out plainly and clearly to the very end, whatever this book holds and contains.
If you do not seek, such speaking and searching for the truth becomes a wonder, and the cause of understanding is found.
For many think they know, they bark and have no light. But as one who has no light walks in ignorance as in darkness, so is writing that cannot be understood. As the proverb-writer says: Do not give wisdom away from yourself. And again the Lord said: Do not cast pearls before swine, but put them elsewhere; that is the meaning. And again David the king and prophet says:
The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.
There is much to write of this, but there is no room; and this is enough for the understanding of the rest.
Table of Contents
- A. Account of a son of the Church, and how it is fitting for those who believe according to Christ
- В. That one does not go down into the water of baptism of the Orthodox faith by force
- Г. Of the time of baptism
- Д. Of the renunciation of Satan
- Е. Of the renunciation of heretics and their heresies
- Ѕ. Of the showing of Satan’s evil and unseemly works
- З. Of forgetting former heresy, and of the renunciation of the evil heretics
- И. Of the promise to Christ in holy baptism
- Ѳ. Praise of those who have been baptized
- І. Of drawing near to God
- ІА. Remembrance: what a good name was shown us, and the inheritance of every good
- ВІ. Of wisdom
- ГІ. Of the immortal soul
- ДІ. Of the Orthodox faith
- ЕІ. Of the saints who were well-pleasing to God
- ЅІ. Of the eating of the saints
- ЗІ. Of the clothing of the saints
- ИІ. Of the prayer of the saints
- ѲІ. Of the prayer of every man who lives in the world
- К. Why it was appointed to sing in church at such-and-such times
- КА. Of Midnight Office and Matins
- КВ. Of the Hours
- КГ. Of the Liturgy and molebens
- КД. Of the church
- КЕ. Of the same church
- КЅ. If something unclean enter the church
- КЗ. Of other faiths
- КИ. Of God Himself and of His Church; likewise of washing and of bowing
- КѲ. Of the Christian church
- Л. Of coming to church
- ЛА. Of the same
- ЛВ. Of entering the church
- ЛГ. Of standing in church
- ЛД. Of bows
- ЛЕ. Of bowing to the people
- ЛЅ. Of bows to those in authority
- ЛЗ. Of going out into the church
- ЛИ. Of standing in the holy church
- ЛѲ. Of prayer to God
- М. Of prayer to the life-giving Cross of the Lord
- МА. Of prayer to the Most Pure Mother of God
- МВ. Of prayer to John the Forerunner
- МГ. Of prayer to all the saints
- МД. Of the prayer of the saints to God
- МЕ. Of prayer when there is no icon
- МЅ. Of standing in the holy church
- МЗ. Of the order of bows
- МИ. Of prostrations to the ground
- МѲ. Of asking forgiveness at Vespers in church and at the dismissal
- Н. Of the forgivenesses
- НА. Of bows at the Liturgy
- НВ. Of standing before the icons
- НГ. Of miracles that come from the holy icons
- НД. Of moleben singing
- НЕ. Of hearing the Gospel
- НЅ. How to venerate the Gospel
- НЗ. Of what is fitting at a moleben
- НИ. Of the censer
- НѲ. How to venerate the Cross
- О. Of the beginning and end of the church rule
- ОА. Of the priest and the spiritual father
- ОВ. Of the priestly rank
- ОГ. Of the loosing of sins
- ОД. Of the priestly blessing
- ОЕ. Of the cross with which we sign ourselves with our own hand
- ОЅ. Of the confessed Cross
- ОЗ. How to make the full sign of the Cross
- ОИ. Why we bow
- ОѲ. Of the Cross which we wear openly on the breast
- П. Of bringing an offering into the holy church
- ПА. That it be one’s own and not another’s
- ПВ. To have nothing [improper] of the church
- ПГ. Of a canon when it happens
- ПД. Of the rule
- ПЕ. Of the feasts of the Lord and of His saints
- ПЅ. Beginning of the words of the home rule
- ПЗ. Of morning prayer in the house
- ПИ. Of prayer at the table
- ПѲ. How it is unseemly to sit at table and eat
- Р. Of prayer after the meal
- РА. Of all drinking
- РВ. Of the evening meal
- РГ. Of prayer when going to sleep
- РД. Of lying down on the bed
- РЕ. Of sleep, of waking, and of prayer
- РЅ. Of rising from sleep
- РЗ. Of fright and of doubts
- РИ. Of going into rooms
- РѲ. How to begin every work with a blessing
- С. Of the naming of a servant
- СА. Of judging how one lives
- СВ. Of compelling the mind
- СГ. Of the deceit of one’s companions
- СД. Of Christianity
- СЕ. Of the fast and of fasting days
- СЅ. Of the Great Fast
- СЗ. Of Peter’s Fast
- СИ. Of the Dormition Fast
- СѲ. Of the Nativity Fast of Christ, and of Wednesday and Friday
- At the end of all these words a homily is set before him. Remember also what was first set before him.
A SON OF THE CHURCH
The book itself
An account of certain customs of the teaching of the Orthodox Christian faith, set forth uncorrupted as needed.
Chapter 1 (А). Account of a son of the Church, how those who believe in Christ are born
To the new servant-angel among the children, a son of the Church, from which we all are born through the font of holy baptism. In it you also desired to be baptized with holy baptism, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Chapter 2 (В). That one is not brought unwillingly into the baptism of the Orthodox faith
Of this also, that one does not go down into the water of baptism of the Orthodox faith by force. Remember this likewise for yourself: that neither by torments, nor by compulsion, nor by any terror did anyone force you. But you, having seen our Orthodox faith which is in Christ God, undefiled and pure, desired to be baptized and to be equal with us Orthodox Christians.
Chapter 3 (Г). Of the time of baptism
This happened to you not in infancy, but in full youth, and not after the passage of many years, but little by little when you came to a man’s understanding.
Chapter 4 (Д). Of the renunciation of Satan
And for this reason it is always needful and necessary for you to remember how you stretched out your hands and renounced Satan, and all his angels, and all his works.
↑ Back to topChapter 5 (Е). Of the renunciation of heretics and their heresies
After that you renounced the evil heretics who have corrupted the Orthodox faith, whose names are: the accursed Formosus, and Peter the Stammerer, and Martin, and Luther, and the rest who followed them in teaching and in works. You renounced them all.
↑ Back to topChapter 6 (Ѕ). Of the evil and unseemly works of Satan
Remember now and never forget what the works of Satan are, from which you renounced: pride, high-mindedness, slander, falsehood, wrongful oath-taking, perjury, heresy, sorcery, deceit, envy, uncleanness, fornication, theft, robbery, and every kind of evil and impurity, and the like.
↑ Back to topChapter 7 (З). Of forgetting former heresy, and of the renunciation of evil heretics
Those whom you denied at holy baptism—that you should not remember them, nor give ear to their teaching after the renunciation, nor turn your thought back to reading their books, and always spit upon their heresy when forgetfulness comes. And when your former life comes to your mind—how you lived in Poland and with what you defiled yourself, and the teaching of those heretics Formosus and Peter and Martin—then set it on your mind that they are enemies of God and man-pleasers. For such is your renunciation of those heretics and their heresies.
↑ Back to topChapter 8 (И). Of the promise to Christ in Holy Baptism
Then you must remember how you stretched out your hands toward the east and promised yourself to Christ, and always to love Him, and to do His works, and always to hear His commandments and His charges. For the Lord God Himself, our Jesus Christ, has said to us in the Gospel, and how the holy apostles were commanded to teach, and how the holy fathers confirmed it by the seven Ecumenical Councils. So you promised.
↑ Back to topChapter 9 (Ѳ). Praise of the one who has been baptized
Know that you have truly done a good work, and that you have now been born in righteousness and enlightened with the light of Christ our God.
You have washed your body and cleansed your soul. You have left the one who gave birth to you, but have come to know the One who created you. You have fled from darkness and received the light. You have departed from the devil and drawn near to God.
↑ Back to topChapter 10 (І). Of drawing near to God
Pay careful attention and understand clearly by what means you have drawn near to God: by being baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and by having promised yourself to Christ.
Now, through Holy Baptism, you have become a servant of God and a companion of Christ. Therefore do not depart from Him, but fulfill what you promised Him. Then God will draw near to you, and you will be God’s.
↑ Back to topChapter 11 (ІА). Of what brings a good name and the inheritance of every good thing
If you wish to be God’s, keep Him always in your heart and do what is right in every deed.
Do not rage, do not steal, do not lie. Be humble and loving toward everyone. Be obedient and faithful to your master. Be good and not deceitful, neither lazy nor evil.
By this you will obtain every good thing and inherit every blessing.
↑ Back to topChapter 12 (ВІ). Of wisdom
If you wish to acquire wisdom for yourself, to have good understanding, and to adorn yourself in character, then study the Church books and read the words of God and the teachings of His saints.
By these you will see that the human soul is more precious than all the riches of the world, for riches are mortal, but the soul is immortal.
↑ Back to topChapter 13 (ГІ). Of the immortal soul
When you understand that your soul is immortal, then you will understand the true Orthodox Faith, for whose sake the prophets rejoice, the Apostles glory, the hierarchs are adorned, the martyrs are crowned, and all the faithful are honored.
↑ Back to topChapter 14 (ДІ). Of the Orthodox Faith
Of this Faith we now speak to you.
Such is the Orthodox Faith, by which those living upon the earth, and those whose souls have departed to God, continually converse with the heavenly angels and glorify God.
By this Faith great miracles are performed: the blind are enlightened, the lame and paralyzed are healed, the sick recover, and every kind of illness and infirmity is healed.
↑ Back to topChapter 15 (ЕІ). Of the holy saints of God
Such were the holy hierarchs: Clement, Pope of Rome, and Peter of Alexandria, Nicholas of Myra, Athanasius and Cyril of Alexandria, Leo of Catania, Polycarp of Smyrna, Peter, Alexis and the Moscow wonderworkers. And our God-bearing and God-speaking fathers: Sergius of Radonezh, Cyril of Belozersk, Varlaam of Khutyn, and many such, whose number and names God alone knows.
These six are the ones that most clearly need to be swapped in. The remaining bodies on the site either follow the 1793 wording closely enough or differ only in small smoothing that does not change the sense. If you want the next batch checked the same way (Hours, Liturgy, coming into church, bows, etc.), say which numbers.
↑ Back to topChapter 16 (ЅІ). Of the food of the saints
Do not marvel at this, and do not think it false that by prayer they gave sight to the blind and healed every infirmity and disease. Their life was not like ordinary human life; they endured as though bodiless. Their food was bread and water, and even that they took rarely and little. Some ate every other day, some every two days, some once a week, some once every two weeks, some ate nothing for forty days, and some took no bread at all, only herbs and roots.
↑ Back to topChapter 17 (ЗІ). Of the clothing of the saints
Likewise they did not care for their own clothing, but endured naked and barefoot the heat of the sun and the winter frost, and every wandering upon the earth, living upon trees and stones.
↑ Back to topChapter 18 (ИІ). Of the prayer of the saints
Likewise their prayer to God was continual, day and night. Even when they slept it stood like an unshaken pillar, neither bending nor ceasing. So it was then, and so it is now. Such is the faith and love of the saints toward God.
↑ Back to topChapter 19 (ѲІ). Of the prayer of every person living in the world
But for us who live in the world, it is impossible to endure such a labor.
Therefore the holy fathers established for us, for every day, church rules and home prayers, and commanded us to pray.
Without the church rule and prayer at home, it is in no way fitting for an Orthodox Christian to live.
↑ Back to topChapter 20 (К). Of what is sung in the church, at what time, and why it was established
Know what the holy fathers established to be sung in the church, and why: Vespers, Compline, Midnight Office, Matins, the Hours, the Liturgy, and the Moleben.
Of Vespers
We sing Vespers because the Lord God has granted us to pass the day safely from morning until evening. Likewise, He announces and prepares the evening for us.
Of Compline
We sing Compline, that is, we pray to God that the Lord may grant us to sleep without fear and faithfully perform the Midnight prayers.
↑ Back to topChapter 21 (КА). Of the Midnight Office
The Midnight Office is sung because at midnight God will come to judge the living and the dead, the righteous and the sinners, and to repay each according to his deeds.
Of Matins
The holy fathers commanded that Matins be sung early in the morning because early in the morning Christ our God rose from the dead and granted eternal life and joy to all the faithful.
↑ Back to topChapter 22 (КВ). Of the Hours
The First Hour is sung so that we may glorify the Giver of light who created the day and enlightened us with the light of day.
The Third Hour is sung because at the third hour the Lord sent the Holy Spirit from the Father upon His holy disciples and apostles, and then they began to speak in strange tongues.
The Sixth Hour is sung because at the sixth hour our first father Adam was created, and at that same hour our Lord Jesus Christ willingly suffered in the flesh for our sins and was crucified, and by His Cross He cast down the ancient enemy.
The Ninth Hour is sung because at the ninth hour our Lord Jesus Christ gave up His spirit, suffered in the flesh upon the Cross, descended into Hades for the sake of those who had died, destroyed the power of Hades, and on the third day rose, raising all the faithful with Himself.
Chapter 23 (КГ). Of the Liturgy, that is, the Divine Liturgy
The Holy and Divine Liturgy is celebrated, and this is a great and unspeakable mystery.
Then the Angels serve invisibly together with the priest. Then our Lord Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb, is offered for us and given as food to the faithful, for the remission of sins and unto eternal life.
Much could be said about this, but you will find everything in its proper place and at its proper time. For now, this is enough.
↑ Back to topChapter 24 (КД). Of Molebens
Molebens are sung whenever someone desires—early or late, by day or by night, in the morning or in the evening.
It is not fitting to look at the time when you pray to God, for wherever you meet the King, there you pray to Him.
I have spoken to you about the church rule. Remember what you have heard, and accustom yourself to the good customs of true piety. Train yourself in good character, good words, and good deeds, and listen to good people, not evil ones.
↑ Back to topChapter 25 (КЕ). Of the Church
Listen also concerning the Holy Church of God: how to understand it, how to come to it, and how to stand in it.
The holy fathers called the Church of God the Earthly Heaven, the Bride of Christ, and the House of God, because God dwells in her, and all the faithful flee to Him and ask from Him mercy and the forgiveness of sins. If they ask in faith, without doubting, they receive what they ask for.
↑ Back to topChapter 26 (КЅ). If something unclean enter the church
If at any time, through negligence or by some chance, something unclean should enter the church, then the priest shall cleanse it with prayer and sprinkle the church with holy water. And by this it shall again remain clean and holy.
↑ Back to topChapter 27 (КЗ). Of other faiths
There is the Latin faith, and the German faith, and the faith in which you yourself formerly believed. But these faiths are wrong and not true, having been corrupted by evil men, wicked and ungodly heretics.
↑ Back to topChapter 28 (КИ). Of God Himself and of His Church; likewise of washing and of bowing
For this reason I have written to you about God Himself and about His Church, and likewise about prayer to Him and about fasting. Listen carefully to this.
There are churches among the Latins and Germans, and also in Poland. But they are not sanctified or arranged as the holy Apostles and the God-bearing fathers commanded.
The evil heretics have robbed them like thieves, stripping them of all their honor. They do not adorn them, they do not set a cross upon them, and they do not bring holy icons into them, nor adorn them with these things.
They do not gather there for prayer, nor do they read the divine books. They do not keep the honor of the Church, but have stripped away all the beauty and order of the Church.
There is no singing in them that proclaims the true way by its words. They do not sing the stichera, they do not sing the canons, and they do not proclaim the kontakia. The svetilny, the Bogorodichny, and the Krestobogorodichny are not proclaimed. The holy and sacred doxologies are never celebrated there.
↑ Back to topChapter 29 (КѲ). Of the Christian church
But among us, in Orthodox Christianity, there is the holy, undefiled, apostolic Church, which is sanctified by divine and priestly people, adorned and established, and fulfilled by the preaching of the holy Apostles, and filled with every good thing.
Therefore learn how to approach her, how to enter her, how to stand in her, and how to pray in her.
↑ Back to topChapter 30 (Л). Of coming to church
Now learn what you must guard yourself against.
When you approach the church, do not hurry to enter. Stand outside at the doors and examine your conscience: what has happened to you in sleep or while awake, whether there has been demonic confusion, dreams, or temptation, and whether, as you were coming to church, you were thinking of any sinful uncleanness.
If so, do not enter the church. Stand outside, as Adam stood before the gates of Paradise, and know that the enemy is separating you from the Church.
↑ Back to topChapter 31 (ЛА). Of the same
If you are at enmity with someone, or are greatly angry with anyone, do not enter until the anger has ceased and your conscience has been reconciled.
And even if you have guarded yourself from bodily uncleanness, but have been troubled by an impure dream, do not enter the church immediately.
Stand outside and make three bows, looking toward the Deisis, and say with the first bow:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
With the second:
“God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me.”
With the third:
“Lord, who hast created me, have mercy on me.”
Then turn toward all four sides and bow to the people standing there, saying:
“Forgive me, fathers and brothers.”
And so enter the church.
↑ Back to topChapter 32 (ЛВ). Of entering the church
When you enter the church, enter with fear and trembling. Consider yourself a sinner and unworthy to enter it.
For you are entering the earthly Heaven, where you are to pray to your Creator and our God. Think as though you were standing in Heaven.
Think of nothing earthly, but only sigh and pray concerning your sins.
↑ Back to topChapter 33 (ЛГ). Of standing in church
Stand in one place, quietly and peacefully. Do not push anyone or crowd anyone without great need.
When you have taken your place, make three bows, as I told you before, and say with them:
“God, be merciful.”
↑ Back to topChapter 34 (ЛД). Of bows
If it is not a feast, nor Saturday, nor Sunday, make all the bows to the ground.
But on a feast, and on Saturday and Sunday, make the bows to the waist.
Then say, “It is truly meet,” to the end, and make one bow to the ground, even if it is a feast, Saturday, or Sunday.
Then say, “Glory, and now,” “Lord, have mercy” twice, and “Lord, bless,” likewise with three bows as before.
↑ Back to topChapter 35 (ЛЕ). Of bowing to the people
Then bow toward the people standing around you on all four sides and say to them, as before:
“Forgive me, fathers and brothers.”
Bow to them at the waist, not to the ground.
↑ Back to topChapter 36 (ЛЅ). Of bows to those in authority
If someone in authority happens to be present, first make a bow to the ground before bowing to the people, and say:
“Forgive me, holy father, and bless me, and pray for me, a sinner.”
Say this to yourself, not aloud.
↑ Back to topChapter 37 (ЛЗ). Of going out into the church
When you enter the church, it is as though you have found Noah’s Ark and escaped the flood of sin.
Therefore stand worthily, as though you were in Heaven, and know that you have been joined to the heavenly powers.
↑ Back to topChapter 38 (ЛИ). Of standing in the holy church
Stand meekly and quietly. Turn your face toward the image of Christ and continually offer prayer to Him, keeping it upon your lips.
↑ Back to topChapter 39 (ЛѲ). Of prayer to God
Pray to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, saying:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Say this within yourself, and not aloud before people.
↑ Back to topChapter 40 (М). Of prayer to the life-giving Cross of the Lord
When you see the image of the life-giving Cross of the Lord, say:
“Before Thy Cross we bow down, O Master, and we glorify Thy holy Resurrection.”
And bow before the Cross.
↑ Back to topChapter 41 (МА). Of prayer to the Most Pure Mother of God
When you see the image of the Most Pure Mother of God, likewise direct your mind toward the One who is represented—the Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God.
Say:
“Most Holy Lady, Sovereign Mother of God, have mercy on me and save me, and pray to Thy Son, our true God, that He may save and have mercy on me, a sinner.”
↑ Back to topChapter 42 (МВ). Of prayer to John the Forerunner
When you look upon the image of John the Forerunner, direct your thoughts toward him, saying:
“Holy John, prophet and Forerunner, Baptist of the Lord, pray to Christ our God, that He may save and have mercy on us sinners.”
↑ Back to topChapter 43 (МГ). Of prayer to all the saints
When you look upon the image of any saint, whether a prophet, an Apostle, or another saint, say:
“Holy servant of God, [prophet, or Apostle, or other saint], pray to Christ our God, that He may save and have mercy on me, a sinner.”
↑ Back to topChapter 44 (МД). Of the prayer of the saints to God
All the saints pray to God for us. God has mercy and saves us through His saints, and He is always merciful to their prayers for sinners.
↑ Back to topChapter 45 (МЕ). Of prayer when there is no icon
Understand this also: if you have special faith in some saint, or hold his memory especially dear, then even when you do not see his image, call upon him to pray to God and call him as your helper by his holy name.
And so God will help you in sorrows and illnesses and in every kind of trouble.
Likewise, always offer prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, everywhere. Not only in church, but also on the road, in the house, and in bed, as I told you before.
↑ Back to topChapter 46 (МЅ). Of standing in the holy church
When you have already taken your place in the church, do not look around here and there, and do not leave your place.
Remember the place where you are standing, and do not move to another except because of great need, because of crowding, or in order to honor someone.
Then take firm hold of your own laziness: do not move one foot away from the other, do not lean against a wall or a pillar.
If you see someone doing something improperly, do not condemn him, for he may simply be unlearned.
And if you correct yourself, do not exalt yourself, for God does not love pride.
Do not allow your body to become relaxed, and do not give yourself over to the vanity of this world. Only listen to the singing and attend to the reading.
And if you hear some word that you cannot understand, ask those who know after the service.
↑ Back to topChapter 47 (МЗ). Of the order of bows
Understand what I wrote to you earlier: what the church is, why you go there, and how you are to stand in it.
Now listen to these words concerning bows.
There are three kinds of bows.
The first is called an ordinary bow, from the chest to the navel.
The second is a middle bow, that is, a bow to the waist.
The third is a great bow, that is, a bow to the ground.
When you are to make bows to the ground, do not strike your head against the church floor or against the earth, nor do so in your house.
Bend your knees and lower your head deeply, but do not touch the ground with it. Bring both hands together from your heart and place them carefully upon the ground, without spreading your elbows.
When you rise or bow, do not drag or stamp your feet. Likewise, keep your knees together when you kneel and when you rise.
Learn this from those who know, and learn from the experienced.
↑ Back to topChapter 48 (МИ). Of prostrations to the ground
Remember that when there is a festal Vespers, or Vespers on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, there are no bows to the ground, but only bows to the waist.
At the dismissals, and at the words “More honorable than the Cherubim,” there is always a bow to the ground.
Likewise at Compline, and at the Zadostoinik, there is a bow to the ground; the other bows are to the waist.
↑ Back to topChapter 49 (МѲ). Of asking forgiveness at Vespers in church and at the dismissal
When the forgiveness is given, the priest says: “Christ the True One…”
You say quietly to yourself: “Amen.”
After the Amen the priest bows to the people standing before him; you likewise bow to the ground to the priest, asking forgiveness.
When the priest rises, he says the commemoration: “He has remembered the piety of the Tsar…” and the rest to the end.
After the commemoration the priest makes three great bows before the church doors. Then you also make three bows to the ground, saying at each bow, as I told you before: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
Then the priest says again: “Bless, holy fathers and brethren, and forgive me, the sinner, for I have sinned in word and in deed and in thought, and in all my senses.”
Rising, say to him: “May God forgive you, honorable father.”
Then bow to the ground and say before him: “Forgive me, holy father…” all the way to the end.
He answers: “By His grace may God forgive and have mercy on us all.”
Do the same at the Midnight Office and at the dismissal. Likewise after the Hours, before the priest in the holy church, keep this same custom of forgiveness.
↑ Back to topChapter 50 (Н). Of the forgivenesses
That threefold forgiveness is reckoned to every Orthodox Christian as the confession of his sins. Do you therefore attend to yourself.
↑ Back to topChapter 51 (НА). Of bows at the Liturgy
When you stand to hear the Liturgy, the beginning has already been shown to you. Now I will tell you how and where to bow.
Make the beginning according to the custom already told you, and then stand with fear as before our heavenly King, Christ, and listen to the holy singing.
When the priest enters with the Gospel, bow with the prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
When they sing “Glory to Thee, O Lord,” and he begins to read the Gospel, bow likewise.
When he has finished the Gospel and they begin again to sing “Glory to Thee, O Lord,” bow likewise.
After the Gospel, when the priest says the great litany and at each petition they sing many times “Lord, have mercy,” it is customary to make three bows at every petition: for the Tsar, for the Tsaritsa and their children, for their army, for the patriarch, for all the church clergy, and for all Orthodox Christians. Make all those bows from the waist; when there is no feast it is also good to make ground-bows.
When the priest brings forth the Holy Gifts and says “May the Lord God remember…,” then make three bows. If it is not a feast, nor Saturday, nor Sunday, make them all to the ground. When a feast, or Saturday, or Sunday occurs, make one ground-bow and two from the waist.
When they begin to say “I believe in one God, the Father…,” sign your face with the Cross and stand without bowing, listening to the confession of the Orthodox faith.
When the priest says “Especially…,” always make a ground-bow, even if it is a feast, or Saturday, or Sunday; likewise after “It is truly meet.”
After “Our Father,” make a bow from the waist.
When the priest raises the Body and Blood of Christ and says “With fear of God and faith draw near,” then bow also.
When the priest says “Always, now and ever…” and they sing at the altar the Body and Blood of Christ, then bow also.
When they say “Alleluia,” then the name of the Lord: three bows, according to the reckoning of the day. But at “It is truly meet” always a ground-bow without reckoning, even on a feast.
Then he says “Glory, and now,” “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, bless”: then three bows according to the former instruction, as I told you. The rest at Compline, at Matins, and at the Hours is according to the reckoning of the day, and at the Glorias.
↑ Back to topChapter 52 (НВ). Of standing before the holy icons
Stand before the images of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Most Pure Mother, and His saints with all humility and self-abasement.
Pray with warm prayer, and keep an unwavering faith.
↑ Back to topChapter 53 (НГ). Of miracles that come from the holy icons
Many things are written in the books about how a voice sometimes comes from an image of Christ our God, and likewise from an image of the Mother of God; sometimes tears flow, and sometimes fragrant myrrh flows from a dry image.
There are very many such miracles.
Those who pray in faith have received sight when blind, the lame have begun to walk, the paralyzed have become healthy, those possessed by demons have been restored to their right minds, and those suffering from various illnesses have been healed.
Understand this rightly: I do not say that the image itself performs these things, but the One whose image it is—the Prototype Himself—is present in His image, and He does all these things because of the faith of the one who prays.
Know this and remember it always.
↑ Back to topChapter 54 (НД). Of moleben singing
When you celebrate a moleben in church or in your home, you should make every effort to stand with all zeal and with contrition of heart, asking mercy from the Lord.
For this prayer is called supplication and thanksgiving. Therefore I told you before that it may be sung at any time, early or late.
At every singing, make three bows, and pay attention to yourself while standing.
When the priest says, “Deliver us from troubles…” or “Save us from troubles…” or “Look upon us with mercy…” or “Pray to God for us…,” bow with the priest according to the rule for that day, as I explained to you before.
And when the Gospel is read, likewise bow before it and after it.
↑ Back to topChapter 55 (НЕ). Of hearing the Gospel
Listen attentively to the Gospel and pay close attention, for it is the word of the Most Pure Lips of Christ, by which all things were created.
By it we live, and to it we die—that is, we depart to Him.
↑ Back to topChapter 56 (НЅ). How to venerate the Gospel
When you wish to venerate the Gospel, examine yourself beforehand with your whole soul and conscience, to see whether you are worthy, and whether there is any impurity upon you, either in your body or in your clothing.
Likewise, put away all evil and deceitful thoughts, and understand why you are venerating it.
For when Moses proclaimed the Law from God to the Israelites, they listened and answered: “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do, and we will obey.”
So also you should here recognize the glory of God, submit yourself, and promise to do what is written in the Gospel.
Then venerate the Crucifixion which is in the middle of the Gospel, and kiss the image of the Evangelist below, on the right side of the Crucifixion.
Then return to your place and bow to the priest who read the Gospel, saying secretly:
“I believe, O Lord, in Thy Holy Gospel, O Christ God. Help me and save my soul.”
Or say the Jesus Prayer.
↑ Back to topChapter 57 (НЗ). Of what is fitting at a moleben
When at a moleben they sing “It is truly meet…” or “O Sovereign Lady, receive our prayers…,” when they have finished singing it, always make a prostration to the ground.
And humble your heart with contrition.
It is good at that time to have tears, to repent of your sins with tears, and, falling down before the Most Pure Mother of God, to pray.
And when the litany is proclaimed—that is, when the priest is praying—you also pray, as I previously instructed you at each petition: for the Tsar, for the Patriarch, and for all Orthodox Christians.
↑ Back to topChapter 58 (НИ). Of the censer
When the censer with incense is brought by the priest or deacon, bow your head as though receiving the Spirit of Life, and say the Jesus Prayer.
This signifies the offering of incense to God through good works, and in this way our prayer rises to God.
David wrote about this in the Psalm:
“Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense.”
And at the dismissal, bow in the same manner as in the other services.
↑ Back to topChapter 59 (НѲ). How to venerate the Cross
After the dismissal, when you go to the Cross, examine your conscience again, to see whether you are worthy.
When the priest makes the sign of the life-giving Cross of Christ over you, kiss its foot—that is, the priest’s hand holding the Cross.
Then return to your place and bow to the priest.
Pray to the Cross:
“I believe, O Lord, and I bow down before Thy honorable and life-giving Cross, for by it Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.”
Then, having waited until the end of the divine service, go to your home and rejoice in peace.
↑ Back to topChapter 60 (Ѯ). Of the beginning and end of the church rule
Always remember that you must not leave the Church before the end of the divine service and the singing of the dismissal, except because of great necessity or when your master sends you somewhere.
Likewise, observe the beginning of the church singing.
↑ Back to topChapter 61 (ѮА). Of the priest and the spiritual father
Honor the priest everywhere and always, and especially your spiritual father.
If you do not have a spiritual father, find one and call upon him, and do not remain without one.
It is written in our Christian law:
“If anyone lives in the world and has no spiritual father, he is not a Christian. And great woe is upon that man if he dies without a spiritual father—it would have been better for him not to have been born.”
↑ Back to topChapter 62 (ѮВ). Of the priestly rank
Great indeed is the priestly rank, for it is an apostolic inheritance.
For this reason God has given priests authority over human souls, for the Lord said concerning them:
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
For this reason many names have been given to the priest: purifier and intercessor before God, light to the world and salt of the earth, guide of those who have gone astray and teacher of the ignorant, watchman and shepherd of Christ’s flock, keeper of the mysteries and minister of the offering, spiritual trumpet, fountain of living water, and mouth of God who gives peace to the world, helmsman and eye of the Church, doorkeeper and keeper of the keys of the ancient race, and many other glorious names.
Having heard this, do not live without a priest and spiritual father.
↑ Back to topChapter 63 (ѮГ). Of the loosing of sins
If you have sinned against God in anything, come to the priest and confess, and he will be your intercessor before God and will loose you from the bonds of sin.
Without him no one can grant you absolution.
And if you wish to do some good work, receive his blessing for it. Then, as though you had received a document and seal from a royal governor, you may carry out your work.
↑ Back to topChapter 64 (ѮД). Of the priestly blessing
Receive his blessing joyfully and with honor.
He blesses you with his hand, making the sign of the Cross over your head, then your chest, then your right shoulder and your left.
Having received it, kiss his hand.
And if he does not offer his hand to be kissed, ask and entreat him to give it.
Have I not told you how great he is? Great also is the power of the life-giving Cross, which you yourself also form upon yourself.
↑ Back to topChapter 65 (ѮЕ). Of the Cross with which we sign ourselves with our own hand
Listen also concerning the Cross with which you yourself sign yourself with your own hand.
This is not a simple thing, but is filled with a great mystery.
When you join your thumb and the two fingers next to it together, this signifies the image of the pre-eternal Being of the Undivided Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Then fold down the remaining two fingers. This signifies the two natures united in one Person: divinity and humanity, existing in Christ.
When you make this sign from the forehead down to the belly, to the navel, it signifies how God the Word, eternally begotten, descended from Heaven to earth and became incarnate of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, and lived with man upon the earth.
He willingly endured suffering in the flesh for our sake and for our salvation, ascended into Heaven, and sat at the right hand of the Father.
By placing the hand upon the right shoulder, you signify that He sits at the right hand of the Father and that He will come again to the earth to judge the living and the dead and to render to each according to his works.
Those who are then at His right hand He will direct and give the Kingdom of Heaven.
When you move your hand to the left shoulder, you signify that the sinners will stand on His left and will be sent away into eternal torment.
Having completed the sign of the Cross, lower your hand and let it rest, and then make a bow.
↑ Back to topChapter 66 (ѮЅ). Of the imperfect Cross
Therefore pay attention that you make all these things correctly: first concerning the Trinity, and also concerning the two natures of Christ.
If you do not make the sign in this manner, you do not confess the Undivided Trinity, nor do you confess the two natures united in one Person.
Likewise, pay attention to the placement upon the forehead and the descent to the navel.
The body is the image of God, and the navel is the foot of the Cross of the Lord, the head of Adam.
And if someone does not make this sign properly, he does not confess the incarnation of God the Word.
Likewise, if through laziness or negligence someone does not carry his hand to the right and left shoulders, he does not confess the Judge who will judge the living and the dead.
Remember this always, and do not be lazy about carrying your hand to the right shoulder and to the left.
And remember also concerning the Cross: do not cross only your clothing, but your body.
Therefore, when you make the sign of the Cross, place your hand clearly upon your body, so that the sign may be made upon your body and not upon your clothing alone.
↑ Back to topChapter 67 (ѮЗ). How demons fear the full Cross
If someone makes the full Cross upon himself according to the teaching of the holy Apostles and holy Fathers, the demons greatly fear and tremble before it and flee far from him.
But if someone makes it without zeal and hastily, the demons rejoice and tempt him with every kind of delusion.
Such is the sign of the life-giving Cross of the Lord.
↑ Back to topChapter 68 (ѮИ). Why we bow
Know also about bowing.
When you bow, you signify by this the transgression and fall of Adam.
When you rise again, you signify by repentance the correction of that fall and restoration to the first incorruption.
And a person bows to another person because of the image of God in him, and because man was created according to the image of God.
↑ Back to topChapter 69 (ѮѲ). Of the Cross which we wear openly on the breast
Know also about the Cross which you wear upon your breast.
Always remember the covenant between yourself and Christ.
When you came forth from the font of Baptism, you promised to be a servant of Christ. You bowed before His Crucifixion, that is, the Cross of Christ, and received the Cross of Christ from the hand of the priest.
You placed it upon your shoulders and breast, and by this received the covenant of Christ and promised by this covenant to follow Christ according to the Gospel.
For it is said in the Gospel:
“Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
You took the Cross and promised to follow Christ.
Always remember that you wear upon your body the image of the Cross of Christ, upon which He willingly suffered for our salvation.
It is for you the covenant of God; it is for you the sign of Christ the King; it is for you the banner of the heavenly armies. By it you will always be known as a servant of Christ.
And if someone asks you, “What is this?” answer him as it is written:
“I bear the wounds of the Lord Jesus in my body.”
And if he asks, “When and where is this written, and who commanded you to do this?” answer him:
“As the Lord carried it—the Cross—when He went to His voluntary Passion, so also He commanded us who believe in Him to carry the Cross.”
The divine Evangelist Luke says concerning this:
“They seized a certain Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the field, and laid the Cross upon him, that he might carry it after Jesus.”
Then the wise thief also entered Paradise through the Cross.
And if the person questioning you about the Cross begins to insult and revile you and the Cross of Christ, and continues questioning you, flee from him as quickly as possible.
For he is unbelieving and evil, because when a person without faith questions too much about divine things, his heart is mute and deaf, and God distances him. He descends into Hades because he considers himself great and wise and does not keep the Faith entrusted to him.
↑ Back to topChapter 70 (О). Of bringing an offering into the holy church
Know also when you should bring an offering of your own into the Church of God.
A candle, or a prosphora, or something from your possessions for the service of a moleben.
For the canon, kutia or another offering.
For the service of the Divine Mysteries, wine from grapes.
For proclamation in the Holy Church, a sacred book.
For the adornment of the Church of God, a holy icon, or something else of this kind.
All these things are a great good.
↑ Back to topChapter 71 (ОА). That it be one’s own and not another’s
You must take care that whatever offering you bring be truly your own, obtained through your own labor, and not stolen, taken away, robbed, acquired through deceit, or obtained through any other dishonest means.
↑ Back to topChapter 72 (ОВ). To have nothing improper from the church
Know also that you must not take anything from the church into your home for your own use: neither any church vessel, nor anything from the priest’s vestments, nor a candle that is being burned in the church.
Do not take anything else of this kind into your home, for everything that has been brought into the church is sanctified and dedicated to God.
↑ Back to topChapter 73 (ОГ). Of a canon when it happens
I am not worthy to write to you about this.
Therefore examine yourself, as was written to you before, and with the fear of God and contrition of heart come to your spiritual father and ask him about it.
And whatever he instructs you to do, do that.
↑ Back to topChapter 74 (ОД). Of the rule
After the Divine Service, having received a prosphora, remember how you should consume it with all attention, standing and not sitting.
Spread a clean cloth and consume the prosphora upon it, or upon a table, or upon something clean, so that through your negligence no crumbs fall and are trampled underfoot.
For the prosphora is holy bread, heavenly bread.
And when you have listened to the whole church rule that day—Vespers with Compline, the Midnight Office with Matins, and the Hours with the Liturgy—keeping yourself from all food and from the impurity of sin, then, having received the prosphora, consume it with all fear of God and humility.
↑ Back to topChapter 75 (ОЕ). Of the feasts of the Lord and of His saints
Know also concerning the feasts of the Lord and of His saints: that you should celebrate them with a pure soul and an undefiled conscience, in righteousness and love toward God and toward men.
Not with malice and deceit, not with foolish impurity, not in drunkenness or gluttony.
The church rule now ends.
Here, briefly, I have shown you what is necessary and useful concerning the Church for one who lives in the world. It is worthy for every person to understand.
Remember it. And if you learn all these things, then you will come to know still more.
I have shown you only a little, as to a newborn infant, but it is the root of something great.
↑ Back to topChapter 76 (ОЅ). Being in church
When you are in church, stand with fear and trembling. Do not let your mind wander to earthly things, but direct your thoughts toward God.
Remember that you are standing before the King of Heaven and that you have come into the house of God to pray.
↑ Back to topChapter 77 (ОЗ). Of bows
When you stand in church, make the appointed bows according to the rule.
At the beginning, make three bows, as you were taught before, saying:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
“God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.”
“Thou who hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me.”
Then stand quietly and attentively.
↑ Back to topChapter 78 (ОИ). Of bows to people
Afterward, bow toward the people standing around you on all four sides.
Say:
“Forgive me, fathers and brothers.”
Bow to them at the waist, not to the ground.
↑ Back to topChapter 79 (ОѲ). Of bows to those in authority
If a bishop, priest, or other person in authority is present, first make a prostration to the ground before him, and say:
“Forgive me, holy father, bless me, and pray for me, a sinner.”
Say this quietly to yourself, not aloud.
↑ Back to topChapter 80 (П). Again, of entering the church
Before entering the church, remember that you are entering the house of God.
Enter with fear and reverence, and do not bring with you worldly thoughts or the cares of earthly life.
↑ Back to topChapter 81 (ПА). Of standing in church
Stand in your appointed place and do not wander about the church.
Do not lean against a wall or pillar, do not shift from foot to foot, and do not speak unnecessarily.
Listen attentively to the singing and to the reading.
If you hear something that you do not understand, ask those who know after the service.
↑ Back to topChapter 82 (ПВ). Prayer to the Life-giving Cross
When you see the image of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord, say:
“Before Thy Cross we bow down, O Master, and we glorify Thy holy Resurrection.”
And bow before the Cross.
↑ Back to topChapter 83 (ПГ). Prayer to John the Forerunner
When you look upon the image of the holy Forerunner, John, direct your mind toward him and say:
“Holy John, Prophet and Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, pray to Christ our God for me, a sinner.”
↑ Back to topChapter 84 (ПД). Prayer of the saints to God
The saints always pray to God for us.
Therefore, when you see the image of a saint, call upon that saint in prayer and ask him to pray to Christ our God for you.
And God will hear the prayer of His saints and will have mercy upon you.
↑ Back to topChapter 85 (ПЕ). Of prayer before the holy images
Understand also that when you see a holy image, you should direct your mind not merely toward the material image, but toward the one represented by it.
If you see the image of the Savior, remember Christ our God.
If you see the image of His Most Pure Mother, remember the Mother of God.
If you see the image of a saint, remember that saint and ask for his prayers.
For the honor shown to the image passes to the one who is represented by it.
↑ Back to topChapter 86 (ПЅ). Again, of standing in church
When you are standing in your place in church, do not look about here and there.
Remain attentive and do not become distracted by the people around you.
Keep your mind upon the service and upon the prayer.
If you see someone doing something improperly, do not condemn him, for perhaps he has not been taught.
And if you yourself correct your behavior, do not become proud, for God does not love pride.
↑ Back to topChapter 87 (ПЗ). The order of bows
There are three kinds of bows.
The first is the ordinary bow, from the chest to the navel.
The second is the middle bow, to the waist.
The third is the great bow, to the ground.
When you make a prostration, do not strike your head against the ground.
Bend your knees and lower yourself carefully. Place your hands upon the ground without spreading your elbows, and rise again with reverence.
↑ Back to topChapter 88 (ПИ). The meaning of bows
When you bow, you signify the fall of Adam.
When you rise again, you signify repentance and the restoration of what was lost through the fall.
For this reason we bow before one another also, because man was created according to the image of God.
↑ Back to topChapter 89 (ПѲ). Of asking forgiveness at Vespers in church and at the dismissal
When the time of forgiveness comes, the priest says:
“Christ our true God…”
Say quietly:
“Amen.”
When the priest bows before the people, bow also.
Then, when he makes the appointed three prostrations before the Royal Doors, make three prostrations as well, saying with each:
“God, be merciful to me…”
When the priest says:
“Bless, fathers and brothers,”
bow to him and say:
“May God forgive you, honorable father.”
Then make a prostration before him, saying:
“Forgive me, father…”
and continue to the end.
The priest answers:
“By His grace…”
Do the same at Compline, at the dismissal, and after the Hours before the Divine Liturgy.
↑ Back to topChapter 90 (Р). Of bows again at the Liturgy
When you begin to hear the Divine Liturgy, stand with fear and listen attentively to the holy singing.
When the priest comes out with the Gospel, make a bow.
When they sing, “Glory to Thee, O Lord,” make a bow; and after the reading of the Gospel, make another bow.
At the petitions of the litany, make the appointed bows according to the day.
At the transfer of the Holy Gifts, make three bows.
At “I believe in One God,” make the sign of the Cross but do not bow, and listen attentively to the Confession of Faith.
At “Especially for our Most Holy…” and after “It is truly meet,” make a prostration to the ground, even on a feast, Saturday, or Sunday.
After “Our Father,” make a bow to the waist.
At “With the fear of God and faith draw near,” make the appointed bow.
At “Blessed is the name of the Lord,” make three bows.
At the dismissal, make the appointed prostration and then the three bows as at the beginning.
↑ Back to topChapter 91 (РА). Of standing before the holy icons
When you stand before the holy icons, stand with fear and reverence.
Look upon the image of Christ our God, His Most Pure Mother, and His saints, and pray to the one represented by the image.
Keep your mind attentive and your heart humble.
↑ Back to topChapter 92 (РВ). Understand concerning the holy icons
Understand that an icon is an image.
When you see the image of the Most Pure Mother of God, know that the image itself is not the Mother of God, but represents her.
Likewise, when you see the image of a saint, the image represents the saint.
Therefore direct your mind toward the one represented, and pray with faith.
↑ Back to topChapter 93 (РГ). Of the holy sign
The holy sign is the sign of the Cross.
Make it carefully and with understanding, for it is not an empty gesture but a confession of the Faith.
When you make the sign of the Cross, remember Christ our God and His suffering for our salvation.
↑ Back to topChapter 94 (РД). Of bowing before the holy icons
When you approach the holy icons, bow before them with reverence.
Do not approach carelessly or without attention.
When you kiss a holy image, do so with faith and love, remembering the one whom the image represents.
↑ Back to topChapter 95 (РЕ). Of singing a moleben
When a moleben is sung in church or in your home, stand with heartfelt contrition and pray earnestly.
A moleben is both supplication and thanksgiving.
Therefore it may be sung at any time, early or late.
At each appointed place make the proper bows according to the day.
When the Gospel is read, bow before it and after it.
When the priest says, “Save us from troubles,” or similar petitions, bow together with him according to the appointed rule.
And when the dismissal is sung, remain until the end.
↑ Back to topChapter 96 (РЅ). Of hearing the Gospel
Hear the Gospel attentively and with reverence.
For it is the word of the Lord, and through it we are taught the way of salvation.
Do not speak or become distracted while it is being read.
Listen carefully and remember what you hear.
↑ Back to topChapter 97 (РЗ). Of how to draw near to God
If you wish to draw near to God, then always seek Him with your whole heart.
Do not rely upon yourself, but put your trust in God.
Remember Him in every place: in church, at home, on the road, and wherever you may be.
Pray continually and keep the remembrance of God within your heart.
↑ Back to topChapter 98 (РИ). Of “It is truly meet” at the moleben
When “It is truly meet” is sung, listen attentively.
When the appointed verse is sung, make a prostration to the ground.
Stand with humility and heartfelt attention, for the words being sung are holy.
And when the priest gives the petitions, pray together with him.
↑ Back to topChapter 99 (РѲ). Of how to approach the Cross
When the dismissal is completed, approach the Cross with reverence.
First examine yourself and consider whether you are worthy.
When the priest blesses you with the life-giving Cross, bow and kiss the Cross.
Then return to your place and bow to the priest.
Say:
“I believe, O Lord, and I bow down before Thy honorable and life-giving Cross, for by it Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.”
Then go home in peace.
↑ Back to topChapter 100 (С). The beginning and end of the church rule
Above all, always pay attention to this: do not leave the church before the singing of the dismissal is finished.
Remain until the end of the service, unless great necessity requires you to leave, or your master sends you somewhere.
Likewise, observe the beginning of the singing.
Remember all that has been taught you concerning the Church, prayer, bows, and Christian conduct.
This is the end of the church rule.
↑ Back to top