The Priest as Liturgist

All the services of the Orthodox Church are so ordered that a true Christian might lead a heavenly, holy life even on earth, in constant service and pleasing of God, in union with God, in company with His Angels and all the Saints.

The divine services are a blessed fount from which the heavenly Grace abundantly pours forth its gifts upon all those who serve the Lord in fullness of heart—gifts of mercy, peace, consolation, purification, sanctification, enlightenment, healing, renewal, and what is most precious—the gift of worship, in Divine Liturgy and Holy Communion.

(St. John of Kronstadt)