service positions*
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* These service positions are common but are by no means absolute. Parishes may do many things differently, and this page only serves as a guide.
the little entrance
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The little entrance is the first time that the Acolytes exit from the Altar. It is when the Deacon and Priest hold the Gospel from on the Solea and say "Wisdom, stand upright." Positioning of the Acolytes and what they hold (candles, crosses, etc.) vary from parish to parish.
As soon as the Priest re-enters the Altar, the Acolytes bow in front of the Royal Doors and enter the Altar one to each of the two side doors.
the gospel reading
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The Gospel reading is the second time that the Acolytes go out of the sanctuary. Only two are needed. They leave the sanctuary when the Priest says, "With Strength!" The Acolytes hold candles for the Epistle and Gospel readings.
the great entrance
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During the Great Entrance, all or most of the Acolytes participate and use candles, crosses, and other props. They process in a line around the main area of the church to move The Gifts to the Altar Table.
communion
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At the end of the service, Communion is taken by the people. The Acolytes have the responsibility of holding the Communion cloth and of holding the bread.
feast-day processions
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On feast days such as Great and Holy Pascha and Orthodoxy Sunday, a large procession continues outside of the church building and around it. In these processions, Acolytes hold the Candles, Crosses, and Fans. An Acolyte should know the route beforehand so that he can easily lead the clergy and the congregation.
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If you are chosen to go first, remember to go fast enough as to alleviate congestion while not going faster than the parish.
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the hierarchical service
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In the event that the Bishop or even the Metropolitan attends a service at your church, all Acolytes should be aware of the changes that happen in a Hierarchical Service. To do this, hold meetings many weeks prior to the visit and practice the new positioning. This may include bowing to the Hierarch at times and other slight changes in the service. A Bishop is always happy to see that the Altar Servers know what to do and that they don't make mistakes.
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On the day of the visit, keep sanctuary communication talking to an absolute minimum in the form of whispering because many Bishops will not hesitate to reprimand where it is due. Always be ready to attend to the Hierarch at a moment's notice. Also keep in mind that whenever you give an item to a Hierarch (whether is be a service book, the censer, or anything else) you kiss his hand reverently.
This is a helpful link to a document. It is the Divine Liturgy annotated for Altar Servers. It was donated by the clergy of St. Phillip Orthodox Christian Church, Souderton, Penn.