This is an interesting question, actually. One can find in the fathers the admonition to not leave Liturgy early. Even that it is better to come late and stay to the end than to arrive on time and leave early. However, one can not find in the fathers the admonition NOT to come early or that it is GOOD to come late. :) And in fact, at our Diocesan Assembly in October Archbishop Peter specifically instructed the gathered delegates to spread the word that it is best to come to Liturgy early, arrange one’s prospohora, candles, etc., and be standing in one’s place when the Hours begin. On a Sunday at STV that would mean standing in place by 9:30 a.m. Not arriving by 9:30 a.m. - but arriving in time to arrange everything that needs to be arranged and be standing in one’s place by 9:30 a.m. That is a challenge – but a good one.
As we round the corner on the Nativity Lent and our preparation for the Lord’s Nativity let us consider how we can take up this challenge and put it to use in our own spiritual lives. Ideally we grow in our faith every day, but certainly we want to focus on such growth during each of the extended Lenten periods. Putting into place an earlier arrival at the Divine Liturgy for yourself and your family would certainly be quite beneficial in your spiritual growth. This would allow you to fully participate in the Divine Liturgy, the center of our week as Orthodox Christians and the most important of the Divine Services that are all given to us for our salvation by the Holy Church!
Asking Your Prayers,
Fr. Gregory
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