There is a portion of the Qurbana where the curtain closes and a sorrowful prayer is sung. Here, the Body of Christ is broken, signifying the Lord's bodily suffering. This is followed by the curtain opening and the Priest by lifting up his hands says , "Our Father Who Art in Heaven."

The Priest calls upon the Holy Spirit to sanctify and make complete the Body and Blood of Christ. The Holy Spirit descends not only upon the Holy Mysteries but also upon the congregation. Then, this is followed by the Great Intercession, where the congregation led by a cantor prays for all human beings, the living faithful of the Church, Saints, bishops and departed souls.

Peace and unity is evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Qurbana begins with "peace." Then it is followed by the Words of Our Lord, when he said "this is My Body and this is My Blood." 

Did you know that in ancient times, this was the only part of the Liturgy that everyone was allowed to attend? Find out why and why the Church now allows everyone (baptized and unbaptized) to attend the whole Divine Liturgy.

Have you ever wondered what the Priest is doing in the Altar before the start of the Liturgy? What's going on behind the curtain as the congregation participates in Morning Prayer? What are the many vessels and materials in the Altar? Do we know how they are used and the theological and historical reasons why?