Roles — Church Life

Candle Before Censer

This is the act of processing and leading before the censer with the procession candle during times of censing outside of the altar.

Examples: Hymn to the Theotokos during Matins before the Great Doxology (Magnificant)

Bell Ringer

Bell ringing is the act of ringing the Church bell during certain times and certain parts of divine services. This act is performed through opening he scout room door, properly preparing oneself to ring said bell and then ringing the bell for an average of 3 times in 50 second intervals with a 3 second buffer between each interval. The 3-time 50-second interval is the norm unless stated otherwise.

Examples: Beginning of Divine Liturgy. Hymn to the Theotokos during Matins before the Great Doxology (Magnificiant).

Candle Lighters (κανδηλανάφτης)

This is the act of lighting the candles The Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Mother Mary on both the Iconostasis and the stationed icons in front of the first row of the pews as well as any extra additional candle lighting. This job also includes lighting and control of the Byzantine Eagle in front of the royal doors. The icon of the Lord Jesus Christ on the iconostasis is referred to as iconostasis 1 and the icon of the Theotokos on the iconostasis is referred to as iconostasis 2. The icon of the Lord Jesus Christ in front of the pews is referred to as station 1 and the icon of the Theotokos in front of the pews is referred to as station 2. Kandila Naffssis is typically broken up into two “shifts” between Matins and the Divine Liturgy.

Examples: After the Six Psalms during Matins, before the Small Entrance during the Divine Liturgy

Curtain Opener

This job is expected to enter inside of the altar at specific times to complete tasks necessary for Abouna. This job includes opening curtains for south, north and Royal Doors. Preparing Materials for Abouna. Helping Abouna complete tasks within the altar.

Examples: Taking Abounas material out during Matins troparion andopening curtain