Any Orthodox Christian boy in 3rd-12th grade is permitted to serve as an Acolyte (Altar Server) in the Holy Altar for Divine services. This is both a privilege and a serious commitment for both parents and boys who will serve.
If your boy isn't currently on a list but you would like him to be in an Altar Group please contact Fr. Emmanuel.
List of Acolyte Groups & Scheduled Date of Service
Altar Group 1 (Thrones) | Altar Group 2 (Powers) | Altar Group 3 (Seraphim) | Altar Group 4 (Archangels) | |
Saturday-Sunday April 27-28 (Lazarus Saturday & Palm Sunday) ALL GROUPS |
x | x | x | x |
Palm Sunday, April 28 - evening 7pm Bridegroom Orthros |
x | |||
Holy Monday, April 29 7pm Bridegroom Orthros |
x | |||
Holy Tuesday, April 30 7pm Bridegroom Orthros |
x | |||
Holy Wednesday, May 1 3:30 pm Holy Unction |
x |
At the rest of the Holy Week services, ALL GROUPS are invited and requested to serve in the Altar. Please see schedule below:
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Holy Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 PM Orthros of the Mystical Supper
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Holy Thursday, May 2, 9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy of the Mystical Supper
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Holy Thursday, May 2, 6:30 PM Orthros of the Passion (12 Gospels)
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Holy Friday, May 3, 9:00 AM Royal Hours (please stay after for youth retreat)
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Holy Friday, May 3, 3:30 PM Unnailing Vespers
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Holy Friday, May 3, Orthros of Holy Saturday (Lamentations)
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Holy Saturday, May 4, 9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy (“First Resurrection”)
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Holy Saturday, May 4, 12:00 Noon Baptisms & Chrismations of Catechumens
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Pascha night (Saturday, May 4 into Sunday, May 5), Nocturns, Orthros, and Divine Liturgy of Pascha: 11:00 PM Start time (Please arrive promptly!)
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Great and Holy Pascha: Sunday, May 5, 12:00 Noon Agape Vespers
If any Holy Week services interfere with your duties at school, please contact the office to obtain a letter for an excused absence.
Regular Sunday Schedule resumes after Pascha (Group 1 on May 12; Group 2 on May 19, etc.)
Please call the church office or Fr. Dn. Emmanuel to have your boy(s) added to an Altar Group.
Refer to this guide to learn more: Altar Server Guide