the chrismation service for receiving converts, where it is only chrismation that is taking place (i.e. no Baptism), is a lot simpler as far as I've seen (been to 2, participated in one
). the general outline is something like this:
* begins in narthex, if you havent done renunciations of ur past religion yet, you do those now. then statement of what you now believe (not the creed tho, but a different thing about your new relationship to the Orthodox Church, etc.) - often this is in a Q&A format where priest asks questions, you answer (reading everything the whole time, mind you - i.e. dont feel like u'll hafta memorize the proper responses beforehand - priest will be reading too
).
* priest leads you into temple by your holding his epitrachelion (sp?), to stand before the gospel book and cross, which is in the center of the church. next to this is a table w/ the chrism and all the other goodies the priest will need
* then you kneel (or i did) and say the creed (i think this is where this is - you say the creed at SOME point), then priest says prayer over you, then he proceeds to absolve you of your sins w/ his epitrachelion (i think) draped over your head - you are still kneeling while he does this.
* then you stand, i think this is where you kiss the gospel book and cross, and he says another prayer, followed by the anointing w/ Holy Chrism on all the places choirfriend listed (this is the part where, if you are wearing shoes that come off easily, you take them off, which is what i did - i was wearing slide-on sandles of some sort - but if you dont own anything like this, then you can run it by your priest beforehand and ask if you can do the whole service barefoot, which he will certainly agree to because he needs access to your feet)
* then i think there's another prayer he says (i cant remember), then the ablution (wipes chrism off with a sponge and warm water)
* then there is a litany, which is the usual petitions w/ one added for you, the newly illumined, and your sponsor.
* then he says a closing prayer, and service is over
priest may say a few words to you and all that are present, at this point, welcoming you into the Church and giving you words of encouragement, etc.
* then the best part - an hour later in liturgy you get to receive communion
my priest used the Isabella Hapgood service book, which i own, but it is at school (and i am at home right now) so i cant confirm if this is the exact order of everything - but this is the gyst.
In Christ,
Donna Mary
