The Tradition of Holy Iconography began in the early centuries deep in the Roman catacombs during the brutal persecution of Christians. Theologically, the icon is “scripture in paint”, and exists as a bold proclamation of the most profound Mystery of the Church; the Incarnation of the God-man Christ, in the flesh, and His ultimate humility, suffering , bodily Resurrection and Ascension. Affirming and adoring this incomprehensible condescension of God to mankind, the Orthodox kiss icons of Christ and His Saints, an act called “veneration”, through which the subject of the veneration is worshipped in this mystical and powerful tool of prayer.

Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Monastery

Beginning with the Holy Prophet David and his Psalms, the Church has been chanting and singing in formal worship of God for thousands of years. The Byzantine Empire was that maternal incubator of the Church and her Holy Traditions, including the various forms of chant; which even today accommodates many different ancient forms and all languages through the eras. The Church does not use instruments in worship, except the one molded by God for such a purpose, the unique human voice! Our mission has adopted Kievan chant for our worship.

Photo courtesy of Holy Trinity Monastery

The Ancient Church has used incense in the worship of God since He commanded it, and in Psalm 141 a verse is found which succinctly describes the primary use of incense in Liturgical worship: “Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” The incense is thus a symbolic representation of our prayers being a pleasing aroma ascending to God; and in return the pleasing aroma to our senses signifies the grace of the Holy Spirit descending upon the faithful in turn. In this way, incense is used as a tool of purification, and it is used multiple times during worship.

Orthodox Tradition recognizes all people as first: created in the Image and Likeness of God; and as liturgical creatures who are fully complete when glorifying Him. Our bodies are temples of God, and when we bring them into the obedience of the worship of God, it can take on many forms. The most common of which inside the Church is standing during worship. This creates an alertness and presence of mind and an active participation of the body. Prostrations (falling to the knees, touching ones head to the floor) are done by monastics and laymen alike in the Orthodox Church; especially during Great and Holy Lent. This is a position of prayer to foster humility and gratitude in the hearts of the faithful.