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- The
Greek Orthodox Church: A Manual for Converts
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The
Use
of Candles
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Upon entering the House of God, we bless ourselves (i.e., make the sign of the cross). As we do so it would be well to say "0 God, be merciful to me, a sinner." This is to remind us that we are entering into the presence of God.
We then proceed to the candle stand (pangari) where we make an offering. This act should not be thought of as "buying" or "paying" for something; rather it is an act of gratitude for all that God has given us; all our spiritual and material benefits. To express our appreciation we pick up a candle and light it. This is to signify the warmth and sincerity of our prayer and the purity of our faith.
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| When we have lit our candle we then go over to reverence the icon. This act of devotion is similar to the greeting we give when a door is opened to us. We are now guests in the Home of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and all the Saints. They are our hosts; we must conduct ourselves accordingly. We then quietly go to our seat. Once we are settled we read the Sunday bulletin (which we have picked up from the candle stand). We then concentrate on the Divine Liturgy, allowing nothing around us to distract us during the ensuing minutes of prayer.
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Rev. Demetrios A. Recachinas, Protopresbyter
Booklet
& Web Version Designed by:
- Vicky
Andriotis
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- For
information about obtaining hard copies of this
booklet, please contact:
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Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport CT 06604
Church Phone (203) 374-5561
Church Fax (203) 374-5770
E-mail: fatherdemetrios@ holytrinitybridgeport.org
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