In Orthodox Tradition, the homily, or sermon, is an essential part of the Eucharistic Liturgy and takes part in the liturgy’s general sacramental character.
Following the proclamation of the Word of God through the words of the Holy Gospel, a liturgical homily is preached. The homily is typically given by the ranking celebrant himself, but he may entrust it to a concelebrating priest or to a deacon, but never to a lay person. When a bishop is serving, the homily is said at the end of the service.
The homily normally proclaims, and explains, the significance of the readings received at the particular liturgy, or sometimes the Feast day, or Saint’s Day it might be.
Some sermons have become part of the Holy Tradition of the Church such as the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom read at the end of Matins at Pascha.
Links to homilies
- Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete
- Saint Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica
- Saint Proklos, Patriarch of Constantinople
- Saint John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople
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