THE ACOLYTE MINISTRY (ALTAR SERVERS)

Saint Anna is deeply blessed with dedicated Orthodox Christian boys and young men who faithfully serve our Lord in the Holy Sanctuary during our Divine Services.

Serving in the Holy Altar is not a right, but a sacred privilege and a solemn responsibility. Our acolytes are the guardians of the sanctuary, assisting the clergy and helping to maintain the beauty and order of Orthodox worship.

Expectations & Preparation

To honor this sacred calling, our acolytes are expected to cultivate a prayerful heart and a disciplined life:

• Punctuality & Attire: Arrive early for all services, dressed appropriately according to parish guidelines.

• Spiritual Preparation: Approach the Altar prepared to receive the Holy Eucharist through fasting, a sustained daily prayer life, and regular participation in the Mystery of Holy Confession.

• Focus & Reverence: Maintain deep respect for and attentiveness to the clergy and fellow servers. Altar servers should remain entirely focused on prayer, holding a mindset as though each service were their very first time serving in the Holy Altar, or their very last.

Get Involved

If your son is interested in joining this vital ministry, or if you would like to learn more about the requirements and scheduling, please speak with one of our parish clergy.