A: Orthodox Christians gather together to worship God in order to enter into union with Him and His People (The Church) through the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and other Sacraments, or Mysteries. Through these we receive strength to embolden us as we continue on the road of salvation and anticipate "the life of the world to come." In our worship, we stand before the throne of God (the Altar), loving one another so "that with one mind we might confess Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided." And in our worship, especially in the Divine Liturgy, we acknowledge and participate in all that Christ has done for us – His incarnation, life, passion, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension – while anticipating His second and glorious coming.
The fundamental purpose of the Church's liturgical services is the worship of God and to love one another. To care for one another, support one another, serve one another, and pray for one another. Orthodox Christian worship is always "God-centered," rather than "man-centered;" in other words, it's not about you, but about God. Worship is not meant to entertain, but to inspire (meaning "to be in the spirit") and allows us a unique foretaste of His Heavenly Kingdom. In our worship we strive to please God, not ourselves – and this is a great honor. In essence, worship doesn't revolve around what you might or might not "get out of it," it's all about what you "give" to God.
Fr. John
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