Dear Old Rite Friends,

Just a question on the Entrance and Departure Bows.

(All right, I admit it - I don't know everything and never said I did!)

One does the seven bows with the Sign of the Cross when saying them - so, in other words, when one says, following the Trinitarian Doxology, "and now and always and unto the ages of ages" one also makes the Sign of the Cross using those words - correct?

Just one of those little things I always wondered about.

Alex

For the conclusion of the entrance or departure bows: Glory...(bow); Now and ever...(bow); Lord have mercy (twice)...O Lord Bless (bow), these bows being preceded by crossing yourself.

After "O Lord, bless" is the dismissal. If I remember correctly from the Domostroi, if a priest is not present, at the end of the dismissal you cross yourself and then bow; if a priest is present you simply make the bow without the Sign of the Cross as you then go to him for his blessing.

One practice I really like are the "bows to the Mother of God" in the Old Rite morning prayers:
All my hope (bow), I place in thee O Mother of God (bow), do preserve me under thy shelter (prostration).
FDD

Forgive the Off Topic

But - nice Icon Alex

Isn't it "Unexpected Joy " ?

Dearest Anhelyna,

Yes, - its miracles were investigated by none other than St Dmitri Tuptalo, Metropolitan of Rostov . . .

He didn't like the Old Rite, you know . . .

How was your St Valentine's Day?

Alex

Dear Father DIAKon,

Thank you!

I think the last prayer to the Mother of God is always said at the end of the Departure - as opposed to the Entrance - Bows, no?

That is what it says in the Nativity Old Rite prayerbook . . .

Also, may one just recite Akathists without ANY canons accompanying them?

Alex

That's right. The Bows to the Mother of God can finish off prayer at any time of the day at the departure bows. I sometimes say them alone when I have just a second during the day.

The usual Old Rite way to read an Akathist is after Ode Six of a Canon, and finish Odes Seven through Nine at the end of the Akathist. It's basically similar in format to a Moleben read for private prayer. Most of the Old Rite liturgical "purists" discourage the Akathist alone outside of a Canon.
FDD