What are the principal parts of the Byzantine Liturgy?
There are four: (1) The preparation of the gifts, done privately at the left side table before the Liturgy begins; (2) The Office of the Antiphons (from the litany to the little entrance), a series of prayers and hymns glorifying God and asking for his mercy. This section is at times replaced by Vespers, as during Holy Week; (3) The service of the Word, (from “Holy God” to the Great Entrance), the first appearance of Christ in the Liturgy as Holy Scripture is read and proclaimed; and (4) The Eucharistic Service (from the Great Entrance to the end), the gifts are brought to the altar, consecrated and distributed.
