I) BEFORE Church Services:

1. Make the sign of the cross as you enter the sanctuary and say a short prayer.

Lord, Jesus Christ, open my lips that my mouth shall sing forth your praise.  Cleanse my heart, soul and mind from evil and distracting thoughts. Strengthen my will and grant me the spirit of faith and humble obedience that I may be ready and able to serve your Holy Table.  Prepare me to receive your holy and precious Body and Blood through which you grant me the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Amen

2. Turn the lights and audio system on.

3. Ask the pastor if there is a special service or something needed for that day's celebrations.

4. Check the candles and make sure they are long enough to last for that day's services.

4 b) Always light the lower 2 altar condles FIRST.

5. Prepare the poorvar.

6. Light a candle in both votive candle stands.

6. b) Check votive candles and replace if old.

6. c) Make sure the lights in the back niche are on.

I a) Special Instructions for Badarak:

6. Make sure that wine and nushkhar are placed on the altar .

7. Fill the pitcher with water and place it with the basin on the bema, or somewhere easily accessible.

8. Turn the Digital Counter Display on and set proper page.

9. Help the acolytes get ready.

10. Help the celebrant get vested.

11. Check the schedule for your responsibility of the day (scripture readings, gospel chanting, poorvar, helping with communion, and others. )

II) DURING Church Services:

I. Make sure you pray and actively participate in the fellowship in remembrance of the Lord.

2. Make sure every movement and gesture you make reinforces the main theme of the Badarak.

3. Actively participate by singing with the rest of the altar servers.

4. Avoid unnecessary chatter.

5. Participate by your bodily gestures in response to the celebrants or deacon's instructions, e.g. bowing down, kneeling, crossing yourself, ...etc.

III) AFTER Church Services:

1. Extinguish the altar candles.

2. Dispose of the water used to wash the chalice in the baptismal font –ONLY

3. Clean and dry the washbowl, cruet and flagon (wine)

4. divesting the celebrant. Hang and put back all vestments, stoles, shabigs neatly.5. Turn off lights but leave the “lamp” over the baptismal font on.

6. Put Jashoo Gospel Book back on Altar and cover with cloth.

7. Blow out and tidy Candle Stand at back and extinguish lights from the back room.

8. Write down and record any missing items for reorder on the white board in the vestry or on the PC inventory card (see PC member).

9. Have a look around and see if there is anything that you can do to leave the church better than when you entered!

10. Turn off altar lights, spotlights and all lights in sanctuary.

11. Bow to the altar, say a prayer of thanksgiving before leaving.