Oh Temple

A temple (“church”) is a special house dedicated to God in which services are performed.

In the temple there is a special grace, or the mercy of God, which is given to us through the clergy who perform the divine service.

The temple differs from ordinary buildings in that a dome representing the sky rises above the temple. The dome ends at the top with a dome on which a cross is placed, in honor of the head of the Church, Jesus Christ. A bell tower is usually built above the entrance to the temple, that is, a tower on which bells hang. The ringing of bells serves to call believers to prayer - to worship and to announce the most important parts of the service performed in the church.

At the entrance to the temple, a porch (platform, porch) is arranged outside. Inside, the temple is divided into three parts: 1) the vestibule, 2) the temple, or the middle part of the temple, where the worshipers stand, and 3) the altar, where the clergy perform services and the most important place in the entire temple is located - the holy altar, on which the sacrament of holy communion is performed.

The altar is separated from the middle part of the temple by an iconostasis, consisting of several rows of icons and having three gates; the middle gate is called the royal gate, because through it the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the King of glory, invisibly passes in the holy gifts (in holy communion). Therefore, no one is allowed to pass through the royal doors except the clergy.

The temple is a great holy place where God Himself is present with special mercy, invisibly, therefore we must enter the temple with prayer and keep ourselves quiet in the temple. During the service you cannot talk, much less laugh. You cannot turn your back to the altar. Everyone must stand in their place and not move from place to another. Only if you are unwell are you allowed to sit down and rest. You should not leave the temple until the end of the service.

You need to approach Holy Communion calmly and slowly, with your arms and chest crossed. After communion, kiss the cup without crossing yourself, so as not to accidentally push it.