What's my role in the Divine Liturgy? ­ A Primer

By Socrates Boyajian

Sing along with the Choir.

The Choir is there to lead the congregation's singing. They are not there to replace the congregation. At the same time, please do not sing with the celebrant or the deacon(s) during the service. Their part is to communicate messages to the congregation. And the congregation (lead by the choir) responds.

Sing with the Choir.

Don't sit through a service that lasts over an hour and avoid participation. You are cheating yourself of the benefits. Sing all the choir parts; they're marked clearly in your pew book.

Sing with the Choir.

Don't be shy. You are in your house of worship. If you really have a hideous voice--people will let you know, and then you can stop singing. But most likely, if you sing, what you will see is a smile of appreciation from people. And you will serve as an inspiration for others who have not taken the plunge yet.

Take a break when the soloists sing.

When at times you see that a member of the choir is singing a solo, let them do that on their own. But join in soon as the solo is over.

Keep singing with the choir.

Get a feel for what is being offered to the congregants in the Diving Liturgy. The combined effects of all the singing of prayers, responses, and songs--will lift your spirit and put you in a plane where you can see the Light.