Difference between revisions of "Kneeling"
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| − | '''Kneeling''', in the english vernacular, is a human position in which the weight is distributed on the knees and feet on a surface close to horizontal. However, | + | '''Kneeling''', in the english vernacular, is a human position in which the weight is distributed on the knees and feet on a surface close to horizontal. However, historically the Orthodox Church has used the word kneel to refer to something similar to the Chinese kowtow. This is an act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground. Kneeling, therefore, is to remain in this position. It is often called '''prostration''', however prostration means to pronate oneself or lay completely flat. In the Orthodox Church, there are two common forms of prostration. |
| − | + | One is the greater or '''great prostration''', also called the greater '''metania'''. Metania comes from the word metánoia meaning "reverence, obeisance" and is sometimes called proskýnesis. This is done by kneeling, touching the forehead to the floor, staying in the position as long as desired or necessary, then standing up. One usually makes the [[Sign of the Cross]] before or after the prostration. | |
| − | The other form is the | + | The other form is the lesser or '''little prostration''' Generally, if just the word metania is used, what is meant is the lesser prostration. It is performed by first making the Sign of the Cross. Then, one bends from the waist and reaches toward the floor with the right hand open and facing outward. |
According to custom, prostration is assumed at different times in the services. | According to custom, prostration is assumed at different times in the services. | ||
| − | Kneeling | + | Kneeling, as it is used in the english language, is also practiced by some Orthodox in their services. |
| − | In some church buildings, [[pew]]s are equipped with '''kneelers''' in front of the seating bench so members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. Although kneelers are less common in Orthodox church buildings, they do appear in some. | + | Kneeling and prostration, both similar to [[bowing]], are associated with [[submission]] and [[obeisance]]. Kneeling is often used as a position for [[prayer]], as a position of submission to God. |
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| + | In some church buildings, [[pew]]s are equipped with '''kneelers''' in front of the seating bench, so that members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. Although kneelers are less common in Orthodox church buildings, they do appear in some. They appear, obviously, where there are pews in the building, and often when the building was purchased from Protestant or Roman Catholic parishes. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
Revision as of 07:15, January 19, 2006
Kneeling, in the english vernacular, is a human position in which the weight is distributed on the knees and feet on a surface close to horizontal. However, historically the Orthodox Church has used the word kneel to refer to something similar to the Chinese kowtow. This is an act of kneeling and touching the forehead to the ground. Kneeling, therefore, is to remain in this position. It is often called prostration, however prostration means to pronate oneself or lay completely flat. In the Orthodox Church, there are two common forms of prostration.
One is the greater or great prostration, also called the greater metania. Metania comes from the word metánoia meaning "reverence, obeisance" and is sometimes called proskýnesis. This is done by kneeling, touching the forehead to the floor, staying in the position as long as desired or necessary, then standing up. One usually makes the Sign of the Cross before or after the prostration.
The other form is the lesser or little prostration Generally, if just the word metania is used, what is meant is the lesser prostration. It is performed by first making the Sign of the Cross. Then, one bends from the waist and reaches toward the floor with the right hand open and facing outward.
According to custom, prostration is assumed at different times in the services.
Kneeling, as it is used in the english language, is also practiced by some Orthodox in their services.
Kneeling and prostration, both similar to bowing, are associated with submission and obeisance. Kneeling is often used as a position for prayer, as a position of submission to God.
In some church buildings, pews are equipped with kneelers in front of the seating bench, so that members of the congregation can kneel on them instead of the floor. Although kneelers are less common in Orthodox church buildings, they do appear in some. They appear, obviously, where there are pews in the building, and often when the building was purchased from Protestant or Roman Catholic parishes.
