Upon entering the narthex, stop before the crucifix of Our Lord, make the Sign of the Cross with a small bow, then recite the penitential Psalm 50 (51) found at the bottom of this page, or an Act of Contrition, ending with the Sign of the Cross with a small bow. A bow indicates respect or reverence and submitting to God’s love and will. Note: some temples have icons of Our Lord and Our Lady instead of a cross in the narthex.

Step inside the nave of the temple and make a profound bow by touching your fingers to the floor and then making the Sign of the Cross. While walking up the aisle, recite a portion of a psalm of praise of God's temple, such as Psalm 133 (134) - see below - and rejoice in His presence.

In front of the tetrapod, bow and cross yourself three times while silently reciting the Prayer of the Publican:

Oh God, be merciful to me a sinner.

Oh God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.

Oh Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number.

Kiss the icon and the hand cross, to show reverence for the person represented in the icon or cross. Where to kiss the icon? It is customary to kiss the feet or below the face of Our Lord, Our Lady or the Saint(s) in the icon. Kissing the face is considered to be too familiar.

After moving aside the tetrapod, many people make a profound bow toward the tabernacle.

If there is an icon on a stand to the right of the tetrapod, kiss the icon and make the Sign of the Cross.

Proceed to a pew. If Liturgy is already started, some pastors prefer that you not go to the tetrapod, but go directly to a pew, making a small bow just before entering it.

Genuflection is not found in the customs of the Eastern Churches. Genuflection developed out of the Western feudal system in the Middle Ages; the Eastern customs developed much earlier. ”Worship” means to bow or to bow the head, so that is what we do.

By Judit Crow from notes of catechumenate classes by Rt. Rev. Joseph M. Stanichar

at St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in Seattle, Washington.

Types of bows

1. Small bow

2. Deeper small bow – as used during the Consecration

3. Profound bow

4. Prostration – used during Great Lent and on Feasts of the Cross

 

Psalm 50 (51)

Have mercy on me, O God, in Your kindness,In Your tenderness wipe out my sin.

Cleanse me of all malice,

From my fault purify me.

For my sin is only too clear to me,

My sin is ever before me.

Against You, You alone, have I sinned

What is evil in Your eyes, this I have done.

You are just when You decree,

Without reproach when You judge,

Look, in guilt was I born,

A sinner my mother conceived.

But You love truth at the heart of my being,

Teach me wisdom deep within me.

Purify me: I shall be clean,

Wash me: I shall be whiter than snow.

Let me hear the sound of joy and feasting,

Let them dance, these bones You have crushed! Turn Your face away from my sins,

Cleanse me of all malice.

O God, create for me a pure heart.

In my belly, a firm spirit!

Do not chase me out of your presence,

Do not deprive me of your Holy Spirit!

Give me the joy of your help,

Insure within me a spirit of fervor.

That I may teach sinners your ways,

That the misguided may return to You.

Rescue me from blood, my Saving God,

And my tongue shall ring out your justice.

Lord, open my lips,

 And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

 

(The words in bold indicate where the note drops when chanting.)

 

 

Psalm of Ascent

 

 

 

 

Psalm 133 (134)

 Behold now, bless the Lord

   all you servants of the Lord.

Who stand in the house of the Lord,

   in the courts of the house of our God.

By night, lift your hands to the holy places

   and bless the Lord.

May the Lord who made heaven and earth

   bless you out of Sion.