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How to Assemble the Propers
The
“variable parts” – or “Propers” – of the Divine Services are
determined by numerous factors, including the liturgical
season, the date, and the day of the week. These are found in
various different liturgical volumes, and the task may seem
daunting. The following steps are offered simplify assist in
this effort.
Before you start...
Each
Orthodox Church tradition has slightly varying “rules” for
putting together, or “assembling,” the propers. These rules
are printed in a liturgical book known as the “Typikón.” The
instructions it contains are referred to as “Rubrics.” The
“Typikón” for the Orthodox Church in America is effectively
provided in a volume titled
“Order of the Divine Services.”
Another
very useful volume is
“An Abridged Typikón.” This volume is exactly what
the title states, excerpts from the Typikón for certain Feasts
and seasons. It is especially useful during Holy Week.
Note:
The liturgical tradition of the Orthodox Church in America
was received from the clergy of the Russian Mission to
Alaska and North America who first brought the Orthodox
Christian faith to the New World in the 18th century.
Logically the Slavic Typikón continues to be followed.
Broadly speaking, there are two primary liturgical
traditions in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. These might
be labeled “Byzantine” and “Slavic.” Both of derive from
monastery Typikóns. The “Byzantine” from the Studion
Monastery in Constantinople, and the “Slavic” from the
Saint Savvas Monastery in the Palestinian desert.
To
assist clergy and chanters in parishes of the Orthodox Church
in America, the Rubrics from the Typikón as applied to each
day of the year are provided in two sources.
Liturgical Rubrics for the Year of the Lord (Year).
Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery in South Canaan,
Pennsylvania publishes this annual volume. Strictly
speaking, it specifies the order of services as followed
in the Monastery church throughout the year. Insofar as
the practices in Slavic-tradition monasteries and parishes
are very similar, this volume, Liturgical Rubrics,
is an excellent and primary source used in OCA parishes.
The Order of Upcoming Services.
This
website, published by the Orthodox Church in America,
is a primary source of guidance for Slavic tradition
parishes in the OCA. It is the one place where the verses
sung at the Beatitudes on Sundays can be found.
Step One
The
“Liturgical Rubrics” and/or “The Order of Upcoming Services
are needed to determine the Propers needed on any given Sunday
or Feastday.
Open
the Rubrics to the the date of the Divine Service
being considered.
Download
the
“The Order of Upcoming Services” for the the date
of the Divine Service being considered.
Step Two
Download
the
Texts for Liturgical Services for the Divine Services.
Step Three
Download
sheet music from
Music Downloads.
Additional
sheet music can be found at the following web sites:
Step Four
Other
Liturgical materials for the Divine Services can be accessed at:
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