Orans Posture in Church

[Little_Boy_Lost]

I read that the Orans Posture is an innovation in the Roman Rite and that it should not be done in Mass. Is that the same case with Eastern Liturgies? I’ve seen people do it as well and I’ve done it on occasion. Is that improper? Thanks!

 

[dcointin]

Orthodox priests use that posture during different parts of the liturgy, though I don’t remember which offhand. I don’t know about it’s appropriatness for laity however.

 

[GKCT]

I am Roman rite. My belief is that it is a position for the priest. Especially during the Our Father when he is praying to God for us. I don’t think the congregation should use the position, but many do, some hold hands. I just hold my hands in a position of prayer.

 

[onmyknees]

I am Roman rite. My belief is that it is a position for the priest. Especially during the Our Father when he is praying to God for us. I don’t think the congregation should use the position, but many do, some hold hands. I just hold my hands in a position of prayer.

At my church there are just a handful that don’t hold hands at the Our Father and I am one of them. It is always awkward when the person/persons beside me reach out to take my hand and then they see that I have my hands folded in front of me. I always hope that they know I am not trying to be impolite. At the sign of peace I always give them a smile, a hand shake, and “Peace of Christ be with you.”

 

[Hesychios]

There is nothing at all wrong with the orans posture as a prayer stance for laypersons.

 

[ciero]

I read that the Orans Posture is an innovation in the Roman Rite and that it should not be done in Mass. Is that the same case with Eastern Liturgies? I’ve seen people do it as well and I’ve done it on occasion. Is that improper? Thanks!

I have seen it used by the laity in the Orthodox church the world over. I don’t know why it is so controversial here in the US amongst Orthodox.

 

[Hesychios]

I have seen it used by the laity in the Orthodox church the world over. I don’t know why it is so controversial here in the US amongst Orthodox.

I think in the USA it is associated with Pentecostalism, in the minds of many people.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Orthodox priests use that posture during different parts of the liturgy, though I don’t remember which offhand. I don’t know about it’s appropriatness for laity however.

Lord’s Prayer and at the end of the prayers they say in a low voice when the Cherubic Hymn is sung, off the top of my head. Their raise their hands three times before leaving the Holy Table and going to get the gifts.

 

[5Loaves]

ciero and Michael/Hesychios have a great deal more experience than I do. But in my limited experience with maybe a dozen Orthodox and EC parishes mainly in northern and southern CA I have not seen the laity using the orans posture. I have seen a small number of people, including a couple in my parish, pray the Our Father in a posture with elbows close to the body, hands about chest height almost in a cupped position and eyes gazing down at the hands. I haven’t really paid attention but can’t say I’ve noticed it at times other than the Our Father. I’ve not noticed anyone in the local Greek Orthodox cathedral do any hand postures, but I’m usually there when only about 6-12 lay people are there. I’ve not seen their 3-5 cantors assume any postures like this.

 

[5Loaves]

Orthodox priests use that posture during different parts of the liturgy, though I don’t remember which offhand…

The priests also pray with the orans posture briefly at the beginning of the Entrance Prayers done in front of the Royal Doors, before they vest.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

The orans position is the ancient Eastern Christian form that was used by monastics and also by laity.

Symbolically, when we stretch out our hands, palms upward, we are asking God to pour upon us the Holy Oil of His Divine Mercy. St Seraphim and others prayed constantly this way. I find it to be a position that really helps one focus on prayer.

(When I’m in a Latini Catholic parish, I bring my hands together, thumbs crossed in the RC position- this is a great way to aid one’s concentration in prayer as well and brings me to heart-felt tears!)

It is good to lift up one’s hands for the Our Father, but without making a show of it, slightly extending one’s hands, palms upward.

If we are doing it to show off, it is better to refrain . . .

Alex

 

[dcointin]

I think in the USA it is associated with Pentecostalism, in the minds of many people.

I think you’re right about this. I know that I tend to have an unconcious phobia toward things I associate with my former Protestant background.