The
Divine Liturgy is the
Eastern Orthodox eucharistic service. It consists of two interrelated pieces: the Liturgy of the Catechumens, so called because in ancient times
catechumens[?] were allowed to attend, also called the Liturgy of the Word; and the Liturgy of the Faithful, so called because in ancient times only faithful members in good standing were allowed to participate. In modern times, this restriction only applies to communication — reception of the
sacrament of
holy communion.
There are two Divine Liturgies that are in common use in the Eastern Orthodox Church: the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, used on most Sundays and holy days of the year, and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, used during the Great Lent and on Christmas, Theophany[?], and St. Basil's Day.