Usage of the chotki

[Tommelomsky]

I got a question concerning the usage of the Chotki. From what i understand one is not supposed to use it at church or in public.
But at home. Close to where i live we have a beautiful lake where i spend a lot of time walking, praying and just thinking. Often at night.

I cannot imagine anything better than staring at the stars in the dark. Is it fine then to pray the chotki in all peacefullness there alone or
is it a bad thing?

[Iconodule]

I got a question concerning the usage of the Chotki. From what i understand one is not supposed to use it at church or in public.
But at home. Close to where i live we have a beautiful lake where i spend a lot of time walking, praying and just thinking. Often at night.

I cannot imagine anything better than staring at the stars in the dark. Is it fine then to pray the chotki in all peacefullness there alone or
is it a bad thing?

The best place to pray is where you will be the least distracted. If you find the place by the lake to be conducive to prayer, that is a good place. You can look at the stars, the lake, etc., and "warm the heart" by reflecting on the beauty of God's creation. Once you begin the prayer, though, you turn your gaze inward and concentrate only on the prayer.

[88Devin12]

I got a question concerning the usage of the Chotki. From what i understand one is not supposed to use it at church or in public.
But at home. Close to where i live we have a beautiful lake where i spend a lot of time walking, praying and just thinking. Often at night.

I cannot imagine anything better than staring at the stars in the dark. Is it fine then to pray the chotki in all peacefullness there alone or
is it a bad thing?

The prayer rope could be used anywhere, I don't think there is any restriction. We must remain modest though. Busting out your 150 knot prayer rope in public may be a little attention seeking. I think this is where buying those little prayer ropes that fit on your wrist are good. They are pretty common in Greece and here in the US. They can be concealed beneath a long-sleeve shirt or easily fit into your pocket. They aren't big enough to draw attention, just don't make it obvious what you're doing. Again, it comes down to humility & modesty.

[Tommelomsky]

I will indeed use it with care, respect, love, humbleness and modesty. At this time of the year, it is quiet down with that lake and many spots where you can be alone with the Lord in your prayers.

[LBK]

Chotki should not be used during a church service, as the prayers and hymns of that service are what we should be praying at that time. OTOH, praying by the lake is a wonderful and edifying idea!

[Iconodule]

Chotki should not be used during a church service, as the prayers and hymns of that service are what we should be praying at that time.

Actually, several saints (e.g. St. Ignatii Brianchaninov) say that praying the Jesus Prayer during services can actually help us concentrate on the services better, especially when the services are very long. But for a beginner it would probably be best to just try and listen to the services first.

[Orthodox11]

Actually, several saints (e.g. St. Ignatii Brianchaninov) say that praying the Jesus Prayer during services can actually help us concentrate on the services better, especially when the services are very long.

I certainly find that using a komboschini during services often helps me focus, not just on prayer in general, but on the words being said. I know many priests who use one while serving the Liturgy, so it needn't be an either or thing.

Also, many of us attend parishes where large parts of the services are in a language we don't understand. Sometimes the music in some churches even makes it difficult to understand things sung in a language you do speak. This is not a problem when it comes to the fixed parts of the service, but during the variable stuff a komboschini can be a great help in preventing you from drifting off.

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