The Church of The Archangel Michael,   A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR)

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

Old Believers (Russian: старове́ры or старообря́дцы) became separated after 1666-1667 from the hierarchy of the Church of Russia as a protest against church reforms introduced by Patriarch Nikon of Moscow.

A more detailed explanation is vailable from OrthodoxWiki.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

This is an abreviated form of prostration. Full prostration is kneeling and touching the ground with your forehead. It is an act of reverence and humility.

This bowing reminds us of the attitude of the Publican, who feeling his unworthiness to stand before God, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven. The touching of, or prostrating to, the ground, can remind us of our end, that "dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return" (Gen. 3:19). With such dispositions and such reverent care, our making of the sign will indeed be a call for God's mercy.

Prostration is more common during the lents. Prostration should not occur on Sundays and and the days of Pentecost (the fifty days between Pascha and Pentecost-Trinity Sunday). For deatils of how and when to prostrate check http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/practical.aspx

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

There is a summary in Wikipedia (with the usual caveats) that is useful.   This suggests the domes were is Russia as early as the thirteenth centuary, therefore pre-dating any significant mongul influence.

There is no official view by the Russian Orthodox Church, (including the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia) as to the meaning of the symbolism of the shape of the domes. A generally heald view is that they symbolise the flames of the Holy Spirit that descended upon the Disciples at Pentecost.

The domes themselves sit on top of a cupola or steeple or summit. The number of cupolas have different meanings.

One cupola signifies Christ, the sole head of the Christian community; three cupolas symbolize the Most-Holy Trinity; five cupolas represent Christ and the four Evangelists; seven cupolas symbolize the Seven Ecumenical Councils which formulated the basic dogmas of the Orthodox Church, as well as the general use in the Church of the sacred number seven; nine cupolas represent the traditional nine ranks of Angels; and thirteen cupolas signify Christ and the Twelve Apostles. (1.)

The onion domes do have the practical function in colder climates of efficiently shedding snow.

1. Source: http://www.orthodoxed.org/article.php?id=57

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

It is a yearly cycle of prayer and worship full of rich symbolism.

The festal calendar of the Orthodox Church is a result of continuous development. "Each age adds to it its own significant ecclesiastical events and its own martyrs and witnesses of the faith, who in the purity of their hearts have seen the invisible God as in a mirror, and through whom divine grace has richly flowed to us" (Fr. A. Calivas). It is always in progress.

The Orthodox liturgical year begins on September 1st, in accordance with an ancient custom initiated by Constantine the Great in the early fourth century. The succession of the feasts and fasts of the liturgical year vary in importance and are usually divided into two large categories : "immovable" and "movable." The immovable feasts fall on the same date from year to year while the movable feasts are related to the celebration of Pascha. Each feast is celebrated with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, because the celebration of the Eucharist constitutes the perpetual festival of the Church (the Eucharist makes the day a true feast, a participation in the joy of the resurrection and the Kingdom, which is to come).

Each feast Day builds on the last culminating in the feast of feasts Pascha (Easter).

The observance of the Church year is essential for the Orthodox Christian for, by following the Church’s yearly cycle of remembrances, we enter more completely into our Christian heritage. As we move from the anticipation of Christ’s birth and second coming in Advent to the establishment of the Church and its mission at Pentecost, as we rejoice in the example of the saints who have gone before us, and especially as we walk the way of our Lord’s Passion in Holy Week and experience the miracle of the Resurrection at the Paschal Vigil, our narrow perspective is corrected and we can more clearly see our lives in the broader context of God’s eternal plan.

Other links on this topic are:

http://www.australianorthodox.org.au/liturgical-year

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Great_Feasts   this link also provides an explanation of each of the Great Feasts

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

A summary of the various Christian Orthodox views of the Roman Catholic doctrine of Purgatory can be found in more OrthodoxWiki at http://orthodoxwiki.org/Purgatory . However the Russian orthodox teaching is that after the soul leaves the body, it journeys to the abode of the dead (Hades). There are exceptions, such as the Theotokos, who was borne by the angels directly into heaven. As for the rest, we must remain in this condition of waiting. Because some have a prevision of the glory to come and others foretaste their suffering, the state of waiting is called "Particular Judgment."

When Christ returns, the soul rejoins its risen body to be judged by Him. The "good and faithful servant" will inherit eternal life, the unfaithful with the unbeliever will spend eternity in hell. Their sins and their unbelief will torture them as fire.

Care must be taken when applying a Biblical interpretation of time. The omnipotence of God extends over all space including time. We can only contemplate that mystery in this life.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

A good summary is set out at the following link: http://www.ocf.org/OrthodoxPage/reading/ortho_cath.html

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

There is no eveidence or authority for the proposition that Saint George slayed a dragon. More importantly he was a martyr for the faith in Roman times resulting in many conversions. For a detailed explanation see Orthodoxwiki.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

Originally the grain was boiled wheat (Kolyva) instead of rice. The sultanas are just to make the boiled grain more palatable. They are acceptable because they are dried grapes from the vine.

The boiled wheat is offered because man is also a seed and like a fruit from the earth. Like a seed he is placed in the earth now, and he will be raised up and blossom forth again by God's power.

A more detailed explanation can be found Orthodoxwiki

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

In the Scriptures, 40 is used as a symbolic number.  It is the number which represents a long period of time during which something of great significance is accomplished.  In the time of Noah, God caused a great flood by making it to rain for 40 days and 40 nights.  After leaving Egypt, the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years.  After being Baptized, Christ fasted for 40 days. Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after resurrection.

According to Orthodox custom, a woman is excused from attending public worship for 40 days after giving birth.Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after resurrection.

Thus it is that 40 days signals the end of a period of mourning, and we mark the occasion by remembering our departed and praying God for their souls.

Customs vary.  But in the Russian tradition, memorial prayers are said on the 1st, 3rd, 9th, 40th, and on every anniversary of of a family member's death.

There is a view that the period of the 40 days after death is it the time when the soul is 'judged' and on the 40h day itself, decided upon which direction the soul will go. There is also a view that the soul travels around for during that time visiting palces of significance in its life.

All these concepts of a lingering soul are pious opinions but are not doctrines of the Church. In the greek tradition its popular to believe the soul lingers for 40 days whereas the russian tradition believes it lingers for 3 days. St John Chrysostom completely rejected the belief of a lingering soul altogether.
 In the Greek version of the toll houses (the souls being tested by demons for a period of 3 days after death) the journey of the soul corresponding with the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 40th day memorial is completely absent. St Symeon of Thessaloniki who wrote extensively on the memorial services makes no mention of a lingering soul or any connection of the souls journey with the memorial services, likewise the canons give simple non sensationalistic explanations for why these days were chosen as memorials. The russian tradition has been influenced by the tale of st Basil the new and Theodora, so in the past 200 years the sensationalistic aspects of the toll houses  and  have become popular.

The Memorial Services:

THIRD DAY SERVICE

The third day service is celebrated for the reason that the reposed one received his being through the Trinity, and having been translated, he hopes to be changed back to the ancient beauty in which man was first made before the fall, or one better [at the resurrection].

NINTH DAY SERVICE

The ninth day service is celebrated that his spirit may dwell together with the holy spirits, the angels, since it is immaterial as is their nature. They are ranked according to nine orders, and in three trinities they proclaim and praise God in Trinity.

40TH DAY SERVICE

The 40th day service is celebrated in the memory of the Savior..'s Ascension 40 days after His Resurrection and that the reposed one, when he is resurrected, may be taken up in the clouds to meet the Judge, our Savior and Master, and thus be with Him forever (1Thes. 4:17).

ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR THE DEAD

Each year [thereafter] the relatives observe the memorial of the departed to demonstrate that he lives and is immortal of soul and he shall be restored when the Creator raises up his body.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

A booklet titled "The Dead Ugently Need our Help" published by The Orthodox Monastary of the Archangel Michael, Marrickville NSW answers this question.

This booklet can also be dowloaded from

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

There is no single reason. A summary of the "History of the Orthodox Church" by Aristeides Papadakis, Ph.D. provides an insight into the reasons. Ironically a major reason was the Ottoman conquest in 1453. The patriarch of Constantinople and the Church hierarchy's position was considerably strengthened and their power increased. They were endowed with civil as well as ecclesiastical power over all Christians in Ottoman territories. This was because Islamic law makes no distinction between nationality and religion, all Christians, regardless of their language or nationality, were viewed as a single millet, or nation. The patriarch, as the highest ranking hierarch, was thus invested with civil and religious authority and made ethnarch, head of the entire Christian Orthodox population. Practically, this meant that all Orthodox Churches within Ottoman territory were under Constantinople. The authority and jurisdictional frontiers of the patriarch, in short, were enormously enlarged.

As Russia had not been conquered by the Ottaman Empire its Church and state grew independent of the rest of the Orthodox Church.

As nations were freed of the yoke of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth centuary their Orthodox Churches became self governing as control from Constaninople was equated with the Ottoman Empire.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

The term "Holy Fathers" refers to Fathers of the Church. The Church Fathers or Fathers of the Church are influential theologians and writers in the Church, particularly those of the first five centuries of Christian history. The term specifically refers to writers and teachers of the Church, not saints in general; usually it is not meant to include the New Testament authors.

For more details see OrthodoxWiki 

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

The prerequisits for accepting the Holy Sacrament of Comminion are:

1. Baptised into the Orthodox Faith or in the case of converts who have already been baptised, they are accepted into the Orthodox Faith with the annointment of the Holy Chrism (oils)
2. So that the Body and Blood of our Lord may be the first thing to pass our lips on the day of communion, we abstain from all food and drink from the time that we retire (or midnight, whichever comes first) the night before.
3. When communion is in the evening, as with Presanctified Liturgies during Lent, this fast should if possible be extended throughout the day until after communion. For those who cannot keep this discipline, a total fast beginning at noon is sometimes prescribed.
4. The fasting requirements are subject to illsness or special dietry requirements as for example is the case with diabetics.
5. Married couples should abstain from sexual relations the night before communion.
6. You must attend confession prior to receiving communion. This should be no longer than 24 hours before the communion.
7. Women should have their heads covered when receiving communion.
8. When it is their turn to receive: The Orthodox Christian makes the sign of the cross and repeats unto themselves the Jesus Prayer: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner”, announces their baptismal name clearly and loudly (even if the priest knows who you are as you are announcing your presence and intent to Christ) and then places the red cloth under their chin in order to partake.
9. When small children and babies are receiving, the parent or god parent should hold the infant over their right arm (head resting on parents right shoulder) in order to facilitate the logistics of giving communion.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

A summary of the Orthodox perspectives of organ donation and transplant can be found at Orthodox Wiki -

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

Some Things We Should Know While in Church

General Approach

You should approach your time in Church with reverence to God and consideration of your fellow worshippers. 

  Dress Code

 The Orthodox Church has a dress code based around the concept of non-distraction from prayer. This is why both men and women should come to Church dressed modestly and in such a way as to not distract others from praying.

Men are asked to dress conservatively with long pants, simple collared shirts and modest footwear. They should no wear hats or head coverings within the Church grounds and the Church itself.

  Women are asked to wear long skirts and tops with sleeves of any length, or dresses with sleeves of any length. Unlike men, women are not only permitted to wear head coverings, but are actually required to cover their hair when entering an Orthodox Church, the Apostle Paul has been interpreted to have commanded this, (1 Corinthians 11:2-16). A light head scarf is acceptable.

 Women should not wear slacks or pants and should wear dresses in Church. This avoids any issue as to the application of the interpretation of biblical texts such as the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 22:5 – “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.” 

 Behaviour

 Behaviour can go a long way towards enhancing a feeling of reverence and prayerfulness.

 It is therefore appropriate to stand quietly during the services (generally, based upon tradition,  men stand on the right hand side, women on the left) and to actively focus on prayer. Families can ofcourse stand together.

  It is not appropriate to be moving around excessively during the services, to carry on conversations, or to stand aloof from the proceedings (eg hands in pockets or hands behind one's back like a casual observer.)

  It is, however, appropriate to arrive on time (ie: prior to the start of the service), venerate the saints and place candles before their icons, and also to cross oneself and bow at appropriate times during the services.

 If you need to leave the Church building during a service for whatever reason, then this should be done unobtrusively and quietly.

 Do not attempt to enter the doors of the Sanctuary. This is for clergy and Altar Servers, as well as those who are blessed to do so.

 Smoking is strongly discouraged anywhere on the Church grounds.

 Lighting Candles

 Lighting candles is an important part of Orthodox worship. We light them as we pray, making an offering to accompany our prayers. Orthodox typically light candles when coming into the church - and that is usually the best time to light them, but there are times when candles should not be lit. It is not proper to light candles during the Epistle or Gospel readings, during the Little or Great Entrances or the sermon.

 Blot that Lipstick!

  Have you ever looked at an icon in just the right light and seen the lip prints all over it? It’s unpleasant, isn’t it? In fact, it’s disrespectful. Lipstick may look fine on lips, but it looks horrible on icons, crosses, the Communion spoon and the priest’s or bishop’s hand. Icons have been ruined by lipstick; and even though the cross can usually be cleaned after everyone venerates it, it just isn’t considerate to others to impose your lipstick on them. What is the answer? If you insist on wearing lipstick to church, blot your lips well before venerating an icon, taking Communion, or kissing the cross or the priest’s or bishop’s hand. Even better, wait until after church to put it on. After all, God is not impressed with how attractive you look externally — your makeup or clothing — but how attractive you are internally, your adornment with good works and piety.

  Venerating Icons

  When you enter the church, it is traditional to venerate the icons. Usually there are icons at the entrance to the church and many churches have icon stands in the front as well. When venerating (kissing) and icon, pay attention to where you kiss. It is not proper to kiss an icon in the face. You would kiss their hand, and only of they invited you would you even dare to kiss them on the cheek. Pay attention to what you are doing. When you approach and icon to venerate it, kiss the gospel, scroll, or hand cross in the hand of the person in the icon, or kiss the hand or foot of the person depicted. As you venerate and icon, show proper respect to the person depicted in the icon — the same respect you would show the person by venerating him or her in an appropriate place. And remember, blot off your lipstick before kissing.

Category: Christian Orthodox FAQs

Why Does the Priest and Other members of the Christian Orthodox Faith bless "things" as well as people?

Blessing represents God's sanctifying work in all parts of people's lives. It is also a prayer asking God to keep those who occupy a house or travel in a vehicle safe from physicial and spritual harm.

Unusual items such as the tools of war may be blessed. Not to promote war but to ask that when the items are used they are used in furtherence of God's will and not evil.