For an Orthodox Christian who comes to a cathedral (the main church or temple in the city), there is a set of rules of conduct. Church etiquette, generally accepted on the territory of all Christian states, says how to behave in the temple of God.
Instructions
Step 1
Cross yourself and bow before entering the temple. You can read a short prayer to yourself: "I will enter Your house, I will worship Your holy temple in Your stras." Going inside, on the threshold three times overshadow yourself with the sign of the cross (three fingers folded with a pinch, from the forehead to the stomach and from the right shoulder to the left). At the same time, say to yourself or quietly aloud: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
Step 2
Observe the requirements for the appearance of parishioners: women are supposed to enter the cathedral, covering their hair with a scarf (you can wear a hood, a hat). Men, on the other hand, need to take off their hats. According to a centuries-old tradition, entering the temple, men stand on the right side, and women on the left. However, in our time, such strict rules do not apply everywhere.
Step 3
Make obeisances after each prayer of the priest. Before the beginning of the service, parishioners are supposed to make three bows in the waist, before and after the reading of the Gospel - one bow each. Bow your head and cross yourself when the priest makes the cross over you.
Step 4
Do not stand with your back to the altar even when you leave the temple. While the priest reads the Gospel, do not move around the temple, do not pass or light candles. Try to kiss the icons before the service begins. It's better to put candles in advance too. If there are a lot of people around, do not try to reach the altar, but rather in a whisper, ask the parishioners in front to light your candle.
Step 5
Approaching the icon, bow twice to the waist, and then put your lips on the hand of the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ or on their clothes. Do not kiss an icon or crucifix if you have lipstick. After kissing, bow again. Remember that traditionally men are the first to approach the icon, followed by women.
