What is...

What is the Divine Liturgy?

The Divine Liturgy is heaven on earth — the central act of Orthodox worship in which the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

What Happens in the Divine Liturgy?

The Liturgy has two main parts: the Liturgy of the Catechumens (Scripture, sermon) and the Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharist).
The Great Entrance brings the eucharistic gifts to the altar in procession.
The Anaphora (Eucharistic Prayer) is the central prayer of consecration.
The faithful receive Holy Communion — the Body and Blood of Christ — in both kinds.

Which Liturgy Does the Church Use?

The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is used on most Sundays and weekdays.
The Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is used ten times a year, including the Sundays of Lent.
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (St. Gregory the Dialogist) is celebrated on Wednesday and Friday evenings during Lent.

The Eucharist in Orthodox Theology

Orthodox theology affirms the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
The transformation of the gifts is effected by the Holy Spirit (epiclesis), not merely by the words of institution.
The Eucharist is the supreme sacrament — all other sacraments find their meaning in relation to it.
Worthy reception requires fasting, confession, and preparation through prayer.

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Why this matters

Use this explainer to orient seekers, start classroom discussions, or pair with the prayers and study guides linked below.

The Divine Liturgy is the Eucharistic service of the Orthodox Church — the central act of Christian worship in which bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ. It is not merely a memorial but a participation in the eternal sacrifice of Christ.