Walking Through the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Begin with the Proskomide and explain how the priest prepares the Lamb, commemorating the Theotokos, saints, and faithful. Invite learners to observe a Proskomide service or watch an AthonApp walkthrough video.

Highlight the Great Litany and the role of responses. Encourage participants to pray the litanies at home, emphasizing that the Divine Liturgy reveals the whole creation offered back to God.

Walk through the Antiphons, Little Entrance, and readings. Show how the Trisagion Hymn links heaven and earth, and discuss the role of the homily in applying Scripture.

Assign small groups to reflect on the day’s Epistle or Gospel using AthonApp’s lectionary notes, then share insights with the class.

Unpack the Cherubic Hymn, Great Entrance, and Anaphora. Read the prayers silently prayed by the priest to help participants recognize the sacrificial language and cosmic scope.

Describe the epiclesis and how the Holy Spirit changes bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Encourage reverence and preparation through confession and fasting.

Explain the dismissal, antidoron, and post-communion prayers. Emphasize that the Liturgy continues in service to neighbor.

Close with a commitment exercise: each participant names one way they will live the Liturgy this week, logging it in AthonApp for accountability.