Always keep in mind you are not a spectator, but a participant in the church services. If you are familiar with the tunes of the hymns sung by the choir, softly join the singing.

Do not sing, however, with the officiating Priest and the person serving as Deacon at the Altar.

Follow the choir, and the various markings in this book.

During the Divine Liturgy the direction to "bow down" is always given by the Deacon with the words, "Astoodzo yergirbakestsook" - (Let us bow down to God.)

While passing in front of the Bishop (or Arachnort) in his chair, you make a slight inclination of the head.

Always bow and cross yourself while walking past the Altars.

This symbolizes the unity of our faith, singleness of heart, and upward elevation of the soul. During the Divine Liturgy we join hands during the chanting of the Nicene Creed, (Hovadamk) "We believe in one God"..., Also, when singing "Park ee Partsoons" (Glory to God on high) sung during the Morning Service.

The Deacon, after intoning the bidding; "Greet ye one another with a holy kiss," himself kisses the Altar and the hands of the celebrant priest. He comes down from the Altar and approaching one of those standing nearest, or to the proest if there is one, gives the Salutation.

How you take it: If it is a priest who "gives" you the 'Greeting' you take it simply by kissing his hand. If a layman is 'giving' it to you, you receive it in this manner: Put your right hand to your heart. Then reach you head first over the right and then over the left shoulder of the person who is giving it to you, saying the proper words mentioned below. Then in turn, you turn to the person next to you, your hand still in the same position, reaching the shoulders of your neighbor, you give the 'Greeting' to him in the same way. Then the person who has "taken the Salutation" turns around and passes it on to the one next to him or her, until everbody in the church has "Taken the Salutation."

While giving the Salutation you say, "Christ is revealed amongst us." The receiver answers "Blessed is the revelation of Christ."(*)

By this symbolic act the whole congregation is bound first by its own mystical Head, Christ, and then with one another in one sacred bond of love. Not to take or give the Salutation, or to perform it in a careless way, is bad manners in the church.

(*)Krisdos ee mech mer haydnetzav: Orhnyal eh haynootyoonun Krisdosi.

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