Acolytes
The St. Luke Acolyte Ministry recruits and organizes the boys of St. Luke to be available to assist Father during the celebration of The Divine Liturgy and other services, rituals and traditions of the the Orthodox Church.
Mission
Our mission is to offer the opportunity for our boys starting in the 3rd Grade to actively participate in the expressions of our Faith in order to nurture an attitude of lifetime participation in the Orthodox Church and in the service of Jesus Christ. Our Altar Etiquette supports this mission.
The St. Luke Acolyte Program promotes this mission by offering these opportunities:
To regularly and intimately observe clergy in the active celebration of our Faith, enabled by the unique privilege of access to the Sanctuary and the Holy Altar.
To offer stewardship by giving their time and talents regularly in service to their Church, and also by participating in cleaning events twice a year to take responsibility for the Sanctuary.
To participate in periodic training events led by Father and adult advisers to promote knowledge, understanding, and discipline in the tools and techniques of Orthodox rituals.
To develop leadership skills as a captain of an acolyte team, working with Father and adult advisers to take responsibility for directing younger acolytes.
To participate in acolyte social events -- 2 per year -- to encourage camaraderie among peers of their own Faith.
To form a substantial basis for further study in possible specialized interests such as church music, chanting, or even a career in the clergy.
To obtain formal recognition and validation of their efforts as the lowest order of the Minor Orders of the Clergy by the possibility of Tonsure.
Teams
Team rotations are established and published in the weekly bulletin as well as on the St. Luke Parish Calendar. The teams are led by assigned adult advisors.
The St Luke Acolyte Ministry is in need of additional adult Orthodox men to guide acolytes "behind the scenes" during Divine Liturgy and during other special services throughout the year. Prior experience is NOT required!
Contact Information
If you are an Orthodox man who might consider participating as an acolyte adviser, or if you have a son who is interested in becoming an acolyte, please contact Father Robert Lawrence acolytes@stluke-nc.org.