Always enter the Orthodox temple with an inner attitude of humble reverence. Be mindful of your sins and imperfections before the Holy One and your unworthiness to stand in the presence of His heavenly Angels and pure Saints. At the same time, remember God’s unconditional love for you and the Saints’ prayers on your behalf. Be modest, courteous, and respectful. Banish thoughts of arrogance and presumption. See everyone else as better than yourself. This is true humility. Beware of becoming ignorantly cocky, egotistical overbearing, hypocritically judgmental, and emotionally offended. Do what is proper for you according to the custom of the Faithful in obedience to the Bishop and Priest.
The architecture of the temple reminds us not to be presumptuous. Sometimes the doors separating the Narthex from the Nave are closed so that no one may enter into the Nave. The Icon Screen that separates the Nave from the Holy Sanctuary reminds us that only Clergy and Laymen blessed to be in the Sanctuary should pass beyond the Screen. No one but the Clergy (or one with a special blessing) touches the Holy Altar. The temple holds a throne for the Bishop that no one but the Bishop sits in. These customs help us all to remember to maintain an inner attitude of humility, obedience, and reverence before God and one another.
As you prepare to enter into the temple with reverence and attentiveness, you may say this prayer:
I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear I will worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify thee forever, One Divine Power worshipped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Read: Genesis 3.1-7; Psalm 50 (51); Isaiah 1.10-20; 6.1-8; Jeremiah 1.1-27; 2 Kingdoms (2 Samuel) 6.1-8; Numbers 16-17; Matthew 23.1.39; Luke 1:46–55; 7:36-50; 8:43–48; 14.7-14; 18.9-14; Acts 4.32-5.11; 8.4-25
Text copyright © 2017 by Fr. Symeon D. S. Kees