The Beauty of the Presanctified Liturgy: A Lenten Treasure

During Great Lent, the Orthodox Church offers a unique and profoundly moving service—the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Recognized on Wednesdays and Fridays in many Orthodox traditions, this service enables the faithful to receive Holy Communion during the week despite the absence of the entire Divine Liturgy on fasting days.

What is the Presanctified Liturgy?

Unlike the Divine Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil the Great, the Presanctified Liturgy does not include the consecration of the Eucharistic gifts. Instead, the Holy Gifts are consecrated during the previous Sunday’s Divine Liturgy and set aside for use throughout the week. This is why it is called “Presanctified”—the Body and Blood of Christ are already sanctified before the service begins.

The Presanctified Liturgy combines Vespers elements with the reception of Holy Communion. This service emphasizes deep repentance and spiritual preparation, reminding us we are on a journey toward Pascha, the great Feast of Feasts.

A Special Invitation to Join Us

Our St. George Church will host the Lenten Service (Presanctified Liturgy) at the level of the Chicago Deanery on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Reverend Milorad Jancic, the parish priest at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago, will preside over the Liturgy and deliver a Lenten homily. Other clergy from local Serbian Orthodox parishes will also be present.

After the Liturgy, everyone is invited to a Lenten dinner at the Old Hall, where we can further our fellowship and enhance our community bonds during this sacred season.

A Service of Prayer and Preparation

The Presanctified Liturgy opens with a somber tone, reflecting the penitential spirit of Lent. The Psalms, readings from the Old Testament (Genesis, Proverbs, and sometimes Exodus), and the chanting of “Let My Prayer Arise” foster a deeply reflective atmosphere. The faithful prostrate in humility, seeking God’s mercy and grace. 

One of the service’s most striking moments is the Great Entrance. Unlike the Sunday Liturgy, where the Gifts are brought forward before consecration, the already sanctified Gifts are brought in silence, accompanied only by the priest’s quiet prayer. This serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the Eucharist and the profound mystery of Christ’s presence among us.

The Spiritual Meaning of the Presanctified Liturgy

This service teaches us patience, humility, and the significance of fasting and prayer. Great Lent is a period of struggle, yet also one of renewal. The Presanctified Liturgy strengthens the faithful, sustaining them through the challenges of fasting and spiritual discipline.

Receiving Holy Communion during this time reminds us that our Lenten journey is not solely one of sorrow but also of anticipation and hope. We prepare ourselves to receive Christ just as we ready our hearts for His glorious Resurrection.

An Invitation to Attend

If you have never attended the Presanctified Liturgy, consider doing so this Lent. Let its quiet beauty and solemn prayers draw you deeper into the mystery of repentance and renewal. As we journey toward Pascha, let us embrace every opportunity to strengthen our souls through prayer, fasting, and the life-giving Eucharist.

We look forward to welcoming you to St. George Church on April 11, 2025, at 6:00 pm for this unique Lenten service. May this Lenten season be a time of spiritual growth, and may the Presanctified Liturgy nourish our hearts as we await the joy of the Resurrection!