March 3, 2025
Prostrating (kneeling and touching one’s head to the floor) is a mainstay of Orthodox Christian piety. We do it
as a physical way to cultivate humility and to focus our prayers, literally lowering ourselves as we request God’s mercy.
It can sometimes feel ambiguous as to when prostrations should be performed in church. Though there is no
standard for when one “must” prostrate (for prostrations are in no way mandatory), it is still good to be aware
of the common moments that prostration is to be expected in Orthodox worship.
When NOT to Prostrate
In the Russo-Slavic tradition, as it has been received by this particular parish, prostrations are customarily
discouraged on Sundays. Sundays, being dedicated to Christ’s Resurrection, essentially “trump” the Lenten
mode of worship, and so there are no prostrations prescribed.
Canon of St. Andrew
At the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, it is technically prescribed for one to prostrate at every refrain of “Have
mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me”. However, this is merely an ideal, and is not a requirement. As pastor,
I would even encourage you to NOT do this, as too much focus on performing so many prostrations can easily
distract from the beautiful, meditative words of St. Andrew. I will be prostrating only at the beginning of each
ode. A good rule of thumb in these situations: just do what the priest does. Please feel free to still prostrate the
several dozen times that are prescribed in this service, but do try to be responsible with your health and only do
what you can comfortably manage, physically.
Presanctified Liturgies
During this service, please feel encouraged to prostrate:
At the transfer of the Gifts, during the Third Antiphon
In-between the Old Testament Readings, as the priest proclaims “The Light of Christ illumines all”
During the verses of Let My Prayer Arise, raising oneself to a kneeling position during the refrains
During the Great Entrance, remaining prostrate until the Gifts have been returned to the altar
After each petition of the Prayer of St Ephrem
(It is also proper to kneel during the singing of “Our Father”)
Again, it is never incorrect to prostrate, in imitation of the priest. Ultimately, the idea of prostration is that it is
an expression of personal piety. Please feel free to prostrate regularly, but remember that we do not want to be
a distraction to ourselves or others. It is best practice to be observant and “go with the flow”.
