Worship in Spirit and Truth

Fr. Tom talks about the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Faithful which comprise the worship of the Church from the very beginning.

The response of the people in the Divine Liturgy is "Amen." What does it mean and how important is it that the people understand what they are responding to before they can say it?

In this 32nd episode of the series, Fr.Tom gets to the very opening statement in the Divine Liturgy: "Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

Before the Divine Liturgy begins, we must be prepared from a practical standpoint. Fr. Tom gives some personal reflections on doing things decently and in order.

After 29 episodes leading up the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Thomas begins his line by line commentary.

In the final section on vestments for the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Tom talks about crosses, hats, and crowns.

Fr. Tom continues his comments on the vestments worn in the Divine Liturgy. Today he talks about the sacramental significance of the omophorion and epitrachelion.

Today Fr. Thomas focuses his attention on a part of the vestments that many wonder about. What is the significance of that square or diamond shaped attachment that sometimes hangs above the knee of the bishop or presbyter?

As Fr. Tom continues to look at the vestments worn by the clergy for the Divine Liturgy, he today talks about the "girding of strength" as signified by the belt and the cuffs.

Fr. Tom continues his look at the vestments worn by the clergy for the Divine Liturgy. What vestments are appropriate in non-sacramental settings?

In part 2 of Fr. Tom's comments on the vesting for liturgy, he talks about the importance of dress not only for the clergy but for all of us as we come to church.

In this episode, Fr. Thomas explains the basic vestments worn by the priests and bishops for the Divine Liturgy. This is part 1.

Before the liturgy begins, there are prayers that are said as the bishop and priest enter. Fr. Tom explains those prayers in this 22nd episode.

In the first 20 episodes of Worship in Spirit and in Truth, Fr. Thomas gave us the background and basis for our eucharistic worship. He now begins his walk through the Divine Liturgy itself beginning with the entrance of the bishop and clergy leading up to the start of the Liturgy.

The West identifies seven sacraments, but how does the Orthodox Church view such things? Fr. Tom teaches on the place of the Eucharist in the sacramental life of the Church.

Fr. Tom takes some additional time to teach on the meaning and roles of the clergy and laity when it comes to Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth.

What do we mean when we say "clergy and laity"? Fr. Tom says there is a real sense in which we are all both!

Is there a prescribed physical place where the liturgy is to be served or not served? Fr. Tom traces the history from the "house church" to the present day.

Where is the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated and by whom? Fr. Tom traces the early practice of the Church and relates it to what we are doing today.

How does time relate to our worship and prayer both corporately and privately? Fr. Thomas tells us how the Church looks at time.

Some say they go to church to "pray," but is that why we gather together as a Eucharistic Community? Fr. Tom explains the differences between our worship together and our personal prayer life.

How did the New Testament Church worship? Fr. Thomas shows a specific structural practice that Orthodox worship today is based on.

How do people worship when they believe in Jesus? Fr. Tom looks at the four gospels to think through what they say about Jesus relative to the worship of God.

Fr. Tom now looks at the story of the three youths in the flaming furnace and the beautiful correlation to our worship as Orthodox Christians.

Fr. Tom continues to look at worship in the Old Testament as a prelude to his in-depth teaching on the Divine Liturgy. Today is part one of a two-part episode concentrating on Daniel and the Three Youths. He begins with an overview of Daniel.

The Prophets in the Old Testament had a lot to say about sacrifices that are unacceptable to God. Fr. Thomas explores how they relate to our worship of God today.

Fr. Thomas shows us the patterns of obedience and disobedience in the Old Testament rulers and how that relates to worshipping God in spirit and in truth.

In this important episode, Fr. Thomas shows how the Passover Exodus pre-figures the work of Christ and how that relates to our worship today.

There are so many images of Christ, the Trinity, and our worship as Orthodox Christians in the Old Testament but perhaps none so powerful as the story of Abraham.

What made Noah's worship a sweet-smelling savor to God?

Fr. Thomas Hopko looks at Abel and Cain and why one offered acceptable worship and the other did not.

Fr. Tom talks about how human beings are created by God for worship in spirit and in truth.

In the second installation of his new series, Fr. Tom Hopko talks about the biblical and evangelical nature of the Divine Liturgy. True worship in Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Thomas Hopko begins a brand new series taking us through the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church.