Q & A

1. When are you supposed to make your cross? We make the cross whenever we begin to pray; whenever the Holy Trinity is invoked; or mostly, whenever the Spirit moves us. The only wrong time is when you approach for Holy Communion so as not to accidently hit the chalice. Otherwise anytime is fine.
2. When are you not supposed to be seated? As a rule we only sit when instructed by the priest to sit. For most everything else we stand. 
3. Why is the service rushed? It’s difficult to follow in the book. I’m not sure how to answer this one! I have no concept of time when I’m at a service. As far as the book is concerned let me say that it doesn’t have everything we do in it and sometimes it’s best just to put it down and just pray.
4. Why do we venerate icons? We believe that the honor we show the icon passes on to the one depicted on it.  It’s similar to kissing a photo of a loved one or saluting the flag.
5. Is it best to follow prayers in an Orthodox prayer book or make up your own prayers? It is best to follow prayers in an Orthodox prayer book. Those books contain the prayers of the Church for 2000 years and help us develop a personal prayer life.  They also allow time for “our own prayers”.