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An Acolyte should come to church prepared. “For to serve Thee is a great and awesome mystery, even to the heavenly powers" (From the prayer that a priest says before the Great Entrance).

 

The alter should not be a social place to talk or place to dress however one chooses. Wearing casual clothes is disrespectful. If an Acolyte comes to church dressed irreverently, he may be asked not to serve.​

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hair

Hair should be neatly combed, not spiked or longer than shoulder length. To show that an Acolyte has taken the time to prepare himself for the service, he should be neatly groomed.

 

 

clothes

The clothing of an Acolyte should not distract the congregation from the service at hand.

• Button dress shirts (long-sleeve preferable) tucked into pants.

• Black or brown slacks with black or brown dress shoes. No tennis or athletic shoes allowed or colorful or reflective shoes.

 

robe and blessing

Choose a robe that fits if possible, and fold it with the cross (usually on the back) facing up. Enter the Altar and make the sign of the cross. Quietly walk to one side of the Altar Table and wait as long as needed until the Priest is ready and blesses it. He will make the sign of the cross and put his hand on the vestment as the Acolyte kisses it. An Acolyte should say, "Father bless," if a Priest blesses his robe, and, "Master bless," if a Bishop blesses his robe.

 

If the parish has a vestry, then the Acolyte returns to the vestry to put on his robe. Otherwise, he quietly puts it on in a corner of the Altar. Either way, he should say the following prayer when putting on his robe:

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My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He hath clothed me with the garment of salvation; as a bridegroom He hath set a crown upon me, and as a bride He hath adorned me with ornament, always now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

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When it is properly worn, he may re-enter the Altar and stand at his spot. An Acolyte should cross himself anytime he enters or exits the Altar. Once blessed, a robe should be treated as a holy object would be. It should be taken off when using the bathroom and hung respectfully after the service.

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St. John of San Francisco said, "When taking off the stikharion (robe), it must be neatly folded or hung in its place."

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* Many of these suggestions were taken from the standards set by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.