Altar Boys
Serving in the Holy Altar is a sacred responsibility and a great blessing. Altar boys assist the priest and deacon during the Divine Services, helping the worship of the entire parish flow with reverence and order.
Why We Serve Behind the Altar
The Holy Altar represents heaven on earth. To serve within it is not a right, but a calling and a blessing granted by the Church. Altar boys represent the angels who serve God continually, bringing honor and reverence to the Divine Liturgy. By assisting the clergy, altar boys help the faithful focus their prayers and worship on Christ without distraction.
Dress Code
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Sticharion (robe): Always worn when serving, representing purity and service to God.
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Clothing underneath: Clean, modest, and preferably dark-colored pants and shoes. No sneakers with bright colors, logos, or casual clothing.
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Personal appearance: Hair neat, no hats or jewelry.
Arrival Time
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Arrive at least 15 minutes before the service begins.
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Vest promptly and quietly after receiving a blessing from the serving priest (or Bishop if present).
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Use this time to pray and prepare your heart for serving.
How to Follow Along in the Service
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Always pay attention to the priest, deacon, or senior altar server for instructions.
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Follow the order of the service carefully—watch the movements of the clergy and the flow of the Liturgy.
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Stay attentive to the needs of the service (candles, censer, processions).
How to Act Behind the Altar
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Reverence: Always remember that the altar is holy ground. Move with care and respect.
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Silence: Speak only when necessary, and quietly.
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No distractions: Do not play, joke, or distract one another, the priest, or the parishioners. Your behavior should help everyone pray.
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Prayerful focus: Use quiet moments to pray the Jesus Prayer or make the sign of the Cross.
Responsibilities of Altar Boys
Depending on age and experience, altar boys may be asked to:
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Carry candles and processional items.
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Hold fans during the Gospel and consecration.
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Prepare and present the censer to the priest or deacon.
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Assist in bringing the holy gifts to the altar during the Great Entrance.
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Keep the altar area clean and orderly.
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Respond quickly and reverently to directions from the clergy.
Step-by-Step Guide for Altar Boys During the Divine Liturgy
Serving in the altar requires attentiveness, reverence, and teamwork. Below is an outline of the major parts of the Divine Liturgy with the responsibilities of altar boys.
1. Before the Service
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Arrive 15 minutes early.
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Vest quietly and properly.
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Light candles as directed.
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Make sure the censer, charcoal, and processional items are ready.
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Say a prayer before entering the altar: “O God, cleanse me a sinner and have mercy on me.”
2. Beginning of the Service
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Stand reverently and follow the priest and deacon’s lead.
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Be ready to hand the censer when the priest blesses the church.
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Hold candles when directed (for entrances, Gospel, and other solemn moments).
3. The Little Entrance (Entrance with the Gospel)
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Two altar boys carry candles, walking in front of the priest or deacon.
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If there are more servers, one may carry the processional cross.
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Walk slowly, reverently, and in sync.
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After the entrance, return to your place quietly.
4. During the Scripture Readings
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Candle bearers stand near the Gospel reading.
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All others stand quietly and prayerfully.
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No moving around or whispering — listen to the Word of God.
5. The Great Entrance (Procession with the Gifts)
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This is one of the holiest moments.
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Candle bearers go in front of the priest and deacon as they carry the bread and wine.
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Other altar boys walk with reverence, hands folded.
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After the priest places the gifts on the altar, return silently to your places.
6. The Creed and the Anaphora (Holy Consecration)
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Remain very still and prayerful — this is the holiest part of the Liturgy.
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Hold candles or fans if assigned.
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Focus only on the altar and avoid all distractions.
7. Communion of the Faithful
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Assist as needed:
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Hold the communion cloth (with care and respect).
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Refill candles or prepare processional items if instructed.
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Stand prayerfully when not serving directly.
8. End of the Liturgy
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Prepare for the final blessing and procession.
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Extinguish candles as instructed.
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Help clean and organize the altar (robes, books, candles).
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Remove vestments reverently, fold or hang them neatly, and place them properly.
9. After the Service
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Stay a few minutes to help tidy up.
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Exit quietly and prayerfully.
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Remember to thank God for allowing you to serve.
Golden Rule for Altar Boys: Always be attentive, prayerful, and obedient to the priest or deacon. Your presence should never distract but always inspire reverence for God.