With much fear and trembling, Dcn. Seraphim begins our mini-series on the Divine Liturgy itself, the great "public work" of Christ on behalf of the Church, and the whole world. Many people may not be aware that everything actually begins with a small, quiet, mysterious service, one in which the priest and deacon prepare the gifts, the bread and wine which will become the body and blood of God Himself. In this service, we see all of creation revealed as existing for the purpose of the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, as both time and space are revealed as iconic realities, and Dcn. Seraphim gives some practical advice for how we should think about this revelation as we prepare our hearts to participate in the Divine Liturgy. Music Used: Cherubic Hymn, Romanian Chant, Tone 8 Choir of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral, Santa Rosa, CA