Worship

Vespers (evening prayer) is the first prayer of the day. In the life of the Church, the worship day begins in the evening at sunset. This practice follows the tradition of the Old Testament in the account of creation:

"... Thus evening came, and morning followed - the first day." (Gen 1:5)

We celebrate Daily Vespers from Monday to Saturday (Sunday to Friday evenings), except on important feast days. On feasts of the 1st, 2nd or 3rd class and on Sundays (Saturday evening), we celebrate Great Vespers.

See Vesper Handouts
Open Daily Vespers Booklet
Open Great Vespers Booklet

Orthros (morning prayer) is the longest and richest prayer of the day. It introduces the themes and saints being celebrated that day and awakens us from our sleep, preparing us for the Divine Liturgy that typically follows. The service is meant to begin before sunrise and conclude after the day has dawned. On Sundays, the faithful are prepared for the celebration of Christ's Resurrection with one of eleven Gospels on the Resurrection. In practice at St. Jacob, we use and shortened service without any priest's parts, while he is preparing the Holy Gifts, and thus the Orthros Gospels are not read.

See Orthros Handouts
Open Abridged Sunday Orthros Booklet

Liturgy (λειτουργία in Greek) comes from the words Laos (λαός), meaning "the people" and ergon (ἔργο), meaning "work." Thus, the composite meaning can be understood as work of the people or work for the people. If of the people, then we are to put forth effort, chanting, praying and worshiping God during the Liturgy. And if for the people, the presbyter is to make an offering, a "bloodless sacrifice," on our behalf. Both take place during the Liturgy as we recall the Mystical Supper and answer Christ's call to "do this in remembrance" of Him, working together to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.

See Recent Bulletins