What does an altar server do?.
How holy and important is the work of the Divine Liturgy! As with any important work, there are many things to do. The priest can do everything by himself, if he has to, but it is much easier when there are helpers. Sometimes, there is a deacon who helps the priest. Sometimes there is an “elder” who helps to light the charcoal for the censer and changes the candles. But the best help around the altar during the Divine Liturgy comes from the young altar servers. There are many things they can do. 1. Altar servers can carry candles and lead all processions in the liturgy. They also hold candles for the reading of the Gospel. A lit candle reminds us of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. It is very important to hold the candle up in such a way that the light is above the head. 2. An altar server can pass the censer to the priest when he needs it, and then put it back on its stand. 3. An altar server can ring the altar bells at special times. The bells make a joyful sound and remind the
