There is a respectful decorum that Orthodox Christians have during Services which reflect our respect, awe and appreciation of the Lord.  This applies to adults and need not be seen for people with special needs or little children (infants, toddlers, pre-school, etc.), whom we gradually try to help as they grow in maturity and understanding and who should be “at home” during Services.

1.  Prayer (and being prayerful) should begin before entering the Sanctuary.

2.  Upon entering the Sanctuary, quickly “de-escalate” (bring to a whisper) conversations, especially if there is a Service in progress (even if it is just the Proskomidi-Preparation of the Bread and Wine by the Priest; remember this too is a prayer Service).

3.  Whenever the censer is brought out (unless there is some physical issue/hindrance), we should be standing.

4.  When children are brought or come up for Communion, they should not have any food, gum, etc., in their mouths (ideally, unless we are talking about infants/toddlers, etc., and then it should be swallowed or removed from their mouths).  As in school, there should be no “gum chewing, etc.” during Liturgy.  This is taken for granted with adults.

5.  Aside from no unnecessary conversation throughout the Services (again, taking into account little children are often exceptions), there should be (barring emergencies) no movement during:

* Whenever the celebrant (priest/bishop) is reading aloud any of the prayers

* Processions

* Reading of Scripture

* Blessings by the celebrant (e.g., “Peace…The grace of…be with you all”).

6.  During the “Kiss of Peace,” avoid making “extensive greetings” and conversation.  (That can take place during the “liturgy after the Liturgy.”)

(The Kiss of Peace is an expression of the Sacrament of “embracing” and being “embraced by” the flesh and blood Christ present in the Eucharistic Gathering.  It is His presence in each committed member of the assembled Community that is manifest and partaken of in the consecrated Bread and Wine.)

7.  Aside from greeting our visitors, make sure they are the first to be able to get refreshments during the Fellowship Following Liturgy.

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