The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.
Funeral Service
The Orthodox service for the departed, commending the soul to God and celebrating the hope of resurrection. The funeral includes psalms, hymns of rest and comfort, scripture readings including the Beatitudes, and the "Last Kiss" when mourners venerate the departed. The service emphasizes that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life. Unlike memorial services, the funeral is celebrated only once, at the time of death. The Orthodox view death with both sorrow and hope, trusting in Christ's victory over death.
Myrrh-Bearing Women
The third Sunday of Pascha, honoring the women who brought spices to anoint Christ's body and were the first to witness the Resurrection. These include Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Salome, Joanna, and others. The day also commemorates Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. It celebrates women's devotion and their role as first witnesses to the Resurrection.
The Hours
Brief prayer services traditionally celebrated at specific times of day: First Hour (6 AM), Third Hour (9 AM), Sixth Hour (noon), and Ninth Hour (3 PM). Each Hour includes psalms, troparia, and prayers appropriate to that time of day. These services sanctify the day and connect us to Christ's Passion, as they commemorate specific moments in His crucifixion and death.
Saint George Orthodox Cathedral 917 North Wood St; Chicago, IL 60622