ALTAR BOYS

The name "Altar Boy" stems from a very early term in church history--"The Acolyte", meaning follower or attendant.  Acolytes were mentioned as early as the year 251 AD. They helped the priests perform their sacred duties and were dedicated to their work.

Today our altar boys are still considered equal in importance. They must dedicate themselves as servers to the priest in his sacred work in the Holy Sanctuary. They must function smoothly and uniformly.

The Altar Boys have an important responsibility in the Holy Altar. They assist the priest with church services and serve under the supervision of the priest. Altar Boys assist and serve the Priest as the angels assist and serve God. They must be mature enough to carry out their duties without disrupting the sanctity of the Holy Altar.

It is the altar boy's responsibility to become familiar with the parts of the service, the petitions and prayers of the priest and the faithful, the hymns and responses of the chanter and choir.  In effect, he will begin to memorize the entire Divine Liturgy.

Instructions are given periodically throughout the year to our altar boys. In general, the altar boy’s duties are:

• Prepare the charcoal and incense for the censer.
• Maintain the censer and hand it to the priest or deacon when required.
• Carry the cross, candles, and liturgical fans in entrances and processions.
• Prepare the blessed bread (called antidoron) which is placed in front of the Solea during Holy Communion and at the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy.

As the altar boy becomes familiar with the services, he will be able to know what actions are required of him and others, and he will begin to anticipate his moves in advance. As becomes sure of his actions and duties, he will move with confidence and composure, adding much to the atmosphere of respect and reverence. As the atmosphere within the Sanctuary reflects reverence and respect, everyone concerned with the service will find worshipping God so very enjoyable and non-earthly. Actions within the Sanctuary must always be with all due respect, fear and love of God, for nowhere else on earth we do come closer to His presence. We must use all the self-discipline we possess when serving any service in God's Holy Church. To serve His Church is a privilege, not a right.

To serve as an altar server, the candidate should be 6 years old and up. Physical appearance is important concerning neatness of body and clothing. Mental attitude and appearance are important and are maintained by showing involvement and interest, and by paying attention to the service.

Every Orthodox parent rejoices when a son is privileged to serve as an altar boy and should encourage him. It would, however, be a serious mistake to force any young man into the service of the church. Any dedication to Christ and His Holy Church must come from the heart and must be performed voluntarily upon receiving the call, in order to be spiritually rewarding. 

We encourage all young boys at St. George’s to become Altar Boys. All boys who are interested in becoming the Altar Boys, contact Fr. Fadi or Dcn. Michael, or Sami Odeh, Altar Boys Captain.