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| − | __NOTOC__
| + | #REDIRECT [[Worship#Kneeling]] |
| − | {{spirituality}}
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| − | '''Kneeling''' in the Orthodox Church is an act of distributing one's weight on their knees and feet, 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 movement. The physical motion is somewhat similar to the Chinese kowtow.
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| − | The Orthodox use of the word kneel, therefore, is different than common english usage, which uses the word to refer to only distributing one's weight on their knees and feet. Orthodox kneeling is often called '''prostration'''. Again, this word usage is different than the english usage of prostration, which means to pronate oneself or lay completely flat.
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| − | Prostration, similar to [[bowing]], is associated with [[submission]] and [[obeisance]]. Prostration is often used as a position for [[prayer]], as a position of submission to God. According to custom and tradition, prostration is assumed (or not assumed) at different times in the services and [[church calendar]]. There are two common forms of prostration:
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| − | ==Prostration==
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| − | One form of prostration is the greater or '''great prostration''', also called the great reverence or the great metania. Metania (or metany) comes from the word [[metanoia]] (Greek μετάνοια). This prostration corresponds to the Orthodox definition of kneeling and is sometimes called proskynesis (Greek προσκυνήσις). It is also known as the great penance (metanoia megale). Generally, if just the word ''prostration'' is used, what is meant is the greater prostration.
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| − | ==Metania==
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| − | The other form of prostration is the lesser or '''little prostration''', also called a '''metania'''. 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. Generally, if just the word ''metania'' is used, what is meant is the little prostration.
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| − | The metania is often used when [[veneration|venerating]] an [[icon]] and when approaching a [[hierarch]] or a [[priest]] for his [[blessing]].
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| − | ==Kneeling==
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| − | Kneeling, as it is used in the english language, is also practiced by some Orthodox in their services. Kneeling like this is also known as the lesser penance (metanoia mikra). Genuflection, or the bending of the right knee, is practiced in Roman Catholic parishes.
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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.
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| − | ==See also==
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| − | *[[Sign of the Cross]]
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| − | ==Sources==
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| − | *[[Wikipedia:Kneeling|Kneeling]]
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| − | ==External links==
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| − | *[http://www.unicorne.org/orthodoxy/articles/alex_roman/prostration.htm Prostration]
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| − | *[http://www.eastern-orthodoxy.com/mysteries01.htm Saints]
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| − | *[http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/kneeling.aspx Why Are Prayers Said In Church Without Kneeling On All Sundays and From Pascha Until Pentecost?]
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| − | *[http://www.adoremus.org/1102TheologyKneel.html The Theology of Kneeling]
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| − | *[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia entry on kneeling]
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| − | [[Category:Church Life]]
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