The Deacons’ Page – Talking in Church
The Deacons’ Page – Talking in Church
A deacon should feel the reverence of the church, and should not allow himself to speak during the prayers.
Jacob, the father of the fathers, said about the first place he consecrated in Bethel:
“How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Genesis 28:17).
Talking during the prayers indicates a lack of respect for the church. And if the talking is during the Divine Liturgy, then it indicates a lack of respect for the Divine Liturgy and a lack of feeling of its reverence. And it indicates something else as well… What is it?
It indicates that the deacon is not participating in the prayer, but is distracted from it by talking.
A deacon may excuse himself by saying that he is speaking with his fellow deacon, or with the church chanter (the teacher), concerning matters related to the rite, the hymn, or the preparation of what will be said or chanted… But this is an unacceptable excuse…
This understanding could have taken place before the prayer, or it could happen in a whisper, with reverence and quickly, without any distraction or loud voice that draws attention and disrupts the prayer.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
