Altar Boys

Serving in the Altar is an important opportunity for the boys and young men in our community lead through service. As Altar servers they learn about the Divine Services of our Church and assist the clergy in the services. This is a sacred responsibility through which they will become examples to our community.

We welcome boys ages 8 and up to serve in the Holy Altar. To learn more about serving in the Holy Altar please speak with Fr. Nick.

Through service in the Altar we also hope that they will form a life-long connection to Christ and His Church and with one another.

We all possess unique gifts and talents, perhaps some of our young men will also be called to serve as clergy. Service in the Holy Altar is a practical way to discern if this could be one’s calling in life. While this is not the sole purpose of this ministry, it is an important aspect of the life of our Church. Certainly any church community would be proud to pronounce one of their altar boys axios or worthy one day as they begin service to the Church.

Altar Etiquette

How a boy learns to behave in the Altar (Sanctuary) is the most important prerequisite to becoming an Acolyte. As has been said before, it is a privilege to serve the Lord in the Altar, and a privilege that can be taken away if abused. An Acolyte should be praying and serving at the same time, both absorbed in the holy service, and being of use knowing what to do.

Nothing should be brought into the sanctuary that is not used in the Divine Services. This includes cellphones, toys, or anything that an acolyte has in his pockets. Likewise, an Altar Server should not bring anything to church that he will not immediately need. It is a good practice to leave cellphones at home since they have no liturgical use and can serve as distractions.

Ultimately, serving in the Holy Altar, and in any ministry in the Church, is a privilege, not a right.

Before Serving

Before serving Altar Boys find a robe and belt that are an appropriate size, fold their robe and bring it to the senior-most clergyman to be blessed. When they are blessed they receive a blessing from God, and permitted to serve in the Holy Altar. After the blessing is made over the belt and robe the Altar Boy venerates the hand of the clergyman out of respect for the Holy Priesthood.

Clothes

• The clothing of an Acolyte should not distract the congregation from the service at hand.

• Button dress shirts (long-sleeve preferable) tucked into pants.

• Black or brown slacks with black or brown dress shoes. No tennis or athletic shoes allowed or colorful or reflective shoes.

The Altar Table and Prosthesis Table​

St. John of San Francisco says, "They (acolytes) should not touch the Holy Table nor the Table of Oblation (proskomidi or prosthesis table)." An Acolyte should at no time touch the Altar Table (Holy Table). This action is  only for a Priest, Deacon, or other clergy. In addition, removing and placing items on the Altar is forbidden to Acolytes.

If at any time an Acolyte finds himself in a situation where he needs to put something on the Altar Table, (the spoons, napkins, etc.) the Acolyte should give it to the Priest or Deacon.

Crossing in front of the Altar Table is likewise forbidden, although this does not accidentally happen since the Priest is usually there. When moving from one side of the sanctuary to the other (which should be done minimally) an Acolyte should make the sign of the cross as he moves behind the Altar Table to the other side out of respect for the Holy Altar.

The Prosthesis Table is the table to the left or right and back of the Altar Table. It is where the wine and bread is prepared prior to the service. The chalices and The Gifts remain on the Prosthesis Table until the great Procession, where The Gifts are moved to the Altar Table. The table holds many important and holy items, so an Altar Server should not touch the table unless otherwise instructed.

The Priest and the Clergy

As would be expected, the Acolytes stand attentive to the needs of the Priest. When am Acolyte is asked to do something by the clergy, he does it without hesitation. The Acolytes are under the direction of:

The Archbishop.

The Metropolitan.

The Bishop.

The Priest(s).

The Deacon(s).

The adult helpers.

The more experienced Acolytes.​

​​Being Attentive

In the Altar, there is no talking, except for whispering when absolutely needed to communicate. Altar servers should be attentive to the Divine Services and the direction of the clergy. While it is important to remain focused on the services, it is also important that our work is done with love and joy since our God is a God of love (1 John 4:8). Therefore, welcoming new altar servers, assisting one another and being attentive to the needs of others is an important aspect of service (Galatians 6:2).

Epistle Readings, Creed and Pre-Communion Prayers

High School aged Altar Boys will be invited to read the Epistle, assist leading the congregation of the recitation of the Creed and Pre-Communion Prayers.

Sunday School

Following Holy Communion Altar Boys who have not yet progressed to High School should remove their robe and belt and depart for Sunday School. Under special circumstances younger Altar Boys may remain, for example, if a family member will be commemorated at a Memorial Service.

After Divine Services

It is the Altar boys responsibility to ensure the cleanliness of the Holy Altar, Sacristy and Church. The Holy Altar and Sacristy should be cleaned, swept, bread crumbs disposed of appropriately, candles and vigil lamps extinguished and the church made ready for the next service. Altar Boy robes and belts should be hung and returned neatly to their drawer for the next service. The clergy may ask Altar Boys to assist with changing altar cloths, icons and other tasks to prepare the church. Altar Boys should set the example for the care and treatment of our church.

Recognition of our Altar Boys

Annually, Altar Boys who have consistently served in the Holy Altar, upon graduation from High School will receive an anderi (cassock) out of respect and recognition for their service to the church. Fr. Nick will contact parents in advance of the ceremony to prepare to order the anderi, and then it will need to be hemmed. Hemming can be done at most dry cleaners. The anderi serves not only to distinguish them, but perhaps may be used if they chose to go on to further theological studies.