Boys seven years old and older are eligible to become Alter Boys. In order to become an Alter Boy the parent permission slip must filled out. We will be making teams. If your child isn’t going to present in church on his duty Sunday you must let the Alter Boy director know so that other arrangements may be made. Also, they must be in Church 15 minutes before the Divine Liturgy begins.
Altar Boy Instructions
I. The Altar Boy must come to arrive at church 15 minutes before the start of the Divine Liturgy. Each Altar Boy faces the Holy Altar and makes the sign of the Cross when he first enters; also at anytime he passes behind the Holy Altar.
II. Each boy must fold his vestment neatly and carry it on his arms in a line with the other boys. All Altar Boys will go in a single file line to be blessed by the Priest (or Bishop if he is present).
III. Each boy should then put on his vestments and stand for inspection.
IV. Altar Boy Dress Code: Dress slacks, collared dress shirt, an Black dress shoes.
V. The Head Altar Boy takes his book, and stands by the inside of the South door of the Ikonostasis (hidden from view of the worshipers). He directs his team with hand signals (never by speaking or whispering); and moves from his place only when he must.
VI. The other boys stand in line – half on one side, and half on the other side of the Holy Altar – (2 or 3 steps away).
VII. Talking or whispering is not allowed in the Holy Altar. Altar Boys are expected to listen, be quiet and respectful.
VIII. Only the PRIEST is allowed to stand or walk in front of the Holy Altar. Altar boys must never walk there by mistake.
