When Priests Miss the Prayer Rule Before the Liturgy

When preparing to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, clergymen observe a certain prayer rule. In the Russian church it is common for clergy to follow The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion, accompanied by a home service of Vespers, canons, akathists and other prayers, depending on local practice and the specifics of a particular parish.

The importance of this rule, as well as the general prayerful lifestyle of a clergyman, is undisputed. At the same time, it is no secret that the work of prayer is not easy for everyone, while our life remains rich in surprises.

❓ What should we do if something prevents us from preparing for the Liturgy?

Drawing from resources on www.priest.today, we've gathered diverse perspectives from authoritative Russian priests on these situations.

"The Instructional Message"

This document, to which we have repeatedly referred in our articles, is traditionally rigorous:

"If a priest, deacon or anyone else deliberately neglects the prescribed Church rule and the proper preparation for Communion, whether partially or completely, out of laziness or neglect, they commit a mortal sin.

However, if a priest is engaged in other spiritual duties, such as hearing confessions or administering sacraments, and lacks time to fully complete the preparations before the Divine Liturgy, it is not considered a sin. In such a scenario, it is advised that clergymen complete the remaining part of the rule after the Service, provided they can still offer prayers for Communion before the Liturgy."

This document was written in XVII century and contained instructions for the clergy concerning preparing for- and celebrating divine services. It is often found in appendices to slavic Service-Books

Arguably, many spiritual authorities of the recent past exemplified this attitude towards the prayer rule, showing unwavering dedication to prayer and inspiring fellow believers to emulate their commitment. For instance, it is told of Father John (Krestiankin) that he did not permit the celebration of the Liturgy without first reading the prayer rule.

No Need to Cancel the Liturgy

It is difficult to say to whom Fr. John's advice was directed. Most likely it was rather addressed to a fellow monk than to a parish priest. Unlike monasteries, parishes often have only one priest; clearly, liturgies are celebrated less frequently in these parishes, while their parishioners are awaiting spiritual nourishment.

Archpriest Konstantin Ostrovsky

Archpriest Konstantin Ostrovsky, a teacher of pastoral theology says: "...If, for some reason, a parish priest scheduled to serve the Liturgy in his church hasn't read the prayer rule, should he abstain from serving and dismiss the parishioners to their homes? Or should he delay the start of the service to ensure enough time to prepare himself?

...In my opinion, it would be right for the offender to repent before God, confess to his spiritual father, and make amends for the future, but the liturgy should not be delayed or cancelled".

Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyev, a well-known Moscow cleric, agrees with him: "One should not turn a rule into formalism. After all, the rule was made for man, and not man for the rule. ... A rule cannot cancel the Liturgy: if for some reason a person has such difficult circumstances, in which he could not read the rule (this is rare, but it happens), then it will not be a great sin if he serves".

When Does It Become a Sin?

"However, if a clergyman does not read the prayer rule because of laziness, negligence, carelessness, or because he easily allows himself to disregard tradition and the canon, then this is an obvious sin. Living in this manner, one may gradually lose reverence for all aspects and eventually celebrate the Liturgy improperly, potentially leading to their condemnation," adds Fr. Vladimir.

Prayer Rule: a Virtue and a Necessary Minimum

Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyev

Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyev: "The prayers of the Rule are intended to remind us of our sinfulness, and to set the priest in a humble spiritual state, because without humility one cannot perform a service as awesome as the Liturgy. It is necessary to have repentance in the soul, awareness of our unworthiness, and gratitude to God for allowing us to partake of the Mystery. The Liturgy requires peace in the soul, and the priest needs to be reconciled with all and forgive everyone.

If this is not the case, then serving the Liturgy will not be beneficial. This underscores the significance of the prayer rule, which provides substantial benefits. Of course, this experience cannot be treated formally; we must practise it with all our hearts, and try to find the time for it, sparing at least half an hour even in unforeseen circumstances."

The Russian Orthodox Church's document "On the Participation of the Faithful in the Eucharist'' says that it is obligatory to read the Order of Preparation for Holy Communion. "It consists of three psalms, a canon, several troparions and prayers for Holy Communion. Altogether it takes half an hour, maybe forty minutes if a person reads slowly. Is it impossible for a priest to find half an hour to prepare for the Eucharist?" Father Vladimir concludes.

This leaves us to reiterate the importance of prayerful preparation, as well as the need for a personal disposition to take time for communion with God, both in the face of life's circumstances and, especially, in the face of our own weaknesses. "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).

If a situation is totally beyond your control, pray as much as you can, serve for the sake of obedience, and then take time for prayer at a more favourable moment.

In our next article we will acquaint you with the clergy's advice and experience regarding the daily prayer rule for ministers as well as related problems, creative approach and individual aspects.

We wish all our readers spiritual strength and God's blessing.