Hi Adam,
Could one of y’all tell me what exactly the proper protocol is? Like for instance how do they do the Sign of the Cross? Because I know how to do it the Byzantine way I know how to do it the Latin but I don’t know how to do it the Maronite Way. What is the usual posture during the liturgy? Already know that I can receive Communion because I am Catholic so don’t have any questions on that.
Doing the sign of the Cross:
With the five fingers of the right hand together, touch with the tips of your fingers: first your forehead, then your stomach, then your left chest, and finally your right chest. You may additionally kiss your index finger, at its mid-point, at the end.
The kiss of peace:
-The priest will give it from the altar to the deacons, and then they’ll pass it row by row to the faithful.
-If you’re in a row, then you pass it on to the person next to you.
-The deacon will have both his hands joined together, and when he presents his joined hands to you, you will take both your hands joining them over his, at about mid-point of his fingers and pulling them back towards yourself keeping them joined .
-Keeping you hands joined, you’ll turn to the person next to you in your row and offer them the sign in the same way as the deacon.
-If your are the last person in the row, or there’s no one next to you, then you’ll kiss your joined hands at mid-point, followed by the sign of the cross.
Standing, Sitting, and Bowing:
-The usual position during the Offering of the Sacrifice is standing,
-Bowing and deep bowing are done at certain moments.Example: at incensing (when it is in your direction)(bow followed by doing the sign of the cross), Trisagion, Holy x3, Words of the Institution, Anamnesis, Epiclesis, Elevation, etc,…
-Bending of the neck. The deacon will let you know when, and some of the prayers will also indicate the action.
-There’s no kneeling, unless you happen to go at Pentecost.
Communion:
-It done standing and on the tongue.
-Right before receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord, do the sign of the cross.
-Once you receive the Body and Blood, you need to keep your mouth closed while you’re consuming the Eucharist. Do a deep bow towards the altar, followed by the sign of the cross.
-It’s possible that the priest will only give the Body.
-When both the Body and Blood are given, the Body is dipped in the Blood, and then it is placed on your tongue.
Additional Things:
-If you arrive before the start of the service, you may go up the nave, all the way just in front of the first step going up to the altar area, and do 3 Metanias.
-If the priest is hearing confessions prior to the start of the service, then take advantage.
-Also, your best guide during the Offering of the Sacrifice, is to follow everyone’s lead.
Hopefully this helps, and may your experience be a blessed one.
In Christ,
keefa bar morun
