living god's commandments

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In order for an Acolyte to truly devote himself to his holy service, he must strive to live according to God's Law. Here is a short list to help one organize himself and to see where you are with regards to where you should be.

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1. Daily Prayer - Morning and Evening

2. Daily Bible Reading - Mobile apps help make this easy. A good recommendation is "Daily Readings" produced by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

3. Observe and keep the Ten Commandments - These are a good place to start since they are the basis for virtue.

4. Give Confession at a minimum of four times a year. Talk to your confessor and easily schedule a time to take Confession.

5. Prepare weekly to receive Communion - If you haven't prepared, don't partake and ask to wait and serve next week. In preparation, fast on Sunday and attend as many services as possible, including Great Vespers.

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Here is a list of less strongly encouraged actions, yet encouraged nonetheless.

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1. Attend a Bible study.

2. Help your family at home.

3. Engage in other ministries at your parish. Some examples are; candle making, cleaning, gardening, and staying after the services to help the priest with anything he needs.

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In this way, an Acolyte not only aids in the Divine Services helping the faithful, but he himself is an example to them. Remember, being an Acolyte is a blessing. Many adults who have not been tonsured long to serve in the Altar and witness the miracles therein. Listen to God to see if it is your future calling to a life of further service such as the Priesthood or the Deaconate in Christ.

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helpful links

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https://store.antiochianvillage.org/Altar-Boys-Gd_to-Serving_Divine.html - This is a link to a book entitled "Altar Boy's Guide in Serving the Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints JOHN CHRYSOSTOM."

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https://asceticexperience.com - This website focuses on the beauty of the monastic life through stunning photography.

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https://www.goarch.org/-/daily-reading-app - This url leads to a dowload page for the Daily Readings App mentioned above.

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https://www.ancientfaith.com - A great Orthodox publication company that also has many edifying podcasts.

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https://www.patristicnectar.org - Patristic Nectar publishes countless podcasts and videos on a wide variety of Orthodox Christian topics.

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https://www.orthodoxprayer.org - A simple website with a colorful collection of Orthodox Prayers.

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https://www.hchc.edu/holy-cross/ - Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary.

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https://www.svots.edu/ - Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

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https://www.stots.edu/ - Saint Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary.

 

https://www.crossroadinstitute.org - A ten day summer camp for Orthodox Christian high school Seniors, focusing on enriching the faith.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Athos - A Wikipedia page about the Holy Mountain.

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http://orthodox.cn/patristics/300sayings_en.htm - 300 Orthodox Ascetic quotes.

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