If you have a hard time reaching them, you could always do a half-prostration towards them without going up to kiss them, just as one would perform a half-prostration in the direction of the tabernacle upon entering the nave of the Church. Still, if I were you, I’d probably nicely tell the priest that the icons are a bit difficult to venerate.
Following the epiclesis, as the people sing “Amen, Amen, Amen,” the priest prostrates himself in front of the consecrated elements.
Or bows profoundly… I’ve only seen Melkites go to full prostration, and that only on video of weekday liturgies.
Seeing this in English, it seems very similar to the West Syriac St James - some differences, but very similar. The tones are unique, but the wording of the songs are very similar; the actions of the priest, also very similar, although at different times during the Liturgy. In the East Syrian Liturgy, when is incense used? In the West Syriac, it must be used continuously.
One instance that incense is used, is after the Sanctuary Veil is opened and “Lakhu Mara” or Malayalam “Sarva-Dipanam Karthave” is sung.
SyroMalankara,
Off topic…Zekariya, what is the meaning of the symbol in your signature? I find it very interesting…Generally, you are not going to get in trouble or spoken to if you kneel. The Eastern tradition prohibits kneeling and prostrating on Sundays (even during private devotions). Sunday is a joyous day, not a day for penance (kneeling is seen as being penitential). However, most people understand that Western Catholics are used to kneeling and don’t mind.
Do not, however, kneel to receive the Eucharist. This is disruptive and a Eucharist mishap might occur (especially when you stand up again). For this reason, Byzantine Catholics do not make the sign of the Cross while standing before the Chalice. We don’t want to knock into it.
And I have been told by Orthodox priests that there is a distinction between what is called kneeling in the East, which is what we in the West call prostrating, and is forbidden on Sundays, and standing on the knees, which is what we in the West call kneeling, and is not forbidden on Sundays. I have seen Orthodox, and ECs stand on their knees on Sundays. I have also seen prostrations done in line to receive Eucharist at the ROCOR cathedral
It is a traditional Russian depiction of the Cross. After IC XC NIKA, this chart goes from top to bottom:
Thank you, that is awesome.
Why do they ask for your name?
When giving the Eucharist, the priest or deacon says, “The servant/handmaiden of God [Name] receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.”
Thank you!
