Description
The Altar Servers of St. George Church are boys and men who have received their First Communion and who wish to assist the priests, deacons and subdeacons in the sanctuary during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Duties
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. Altar servers should not be in the sacristy alone. If there is no adult supervision, they should sit in the pews until others arrive. Talking must always be quiet and kept to a minimum. It is better not to wear shirts or pants with strong designs that show through the alb. Alter servers will enter the sacristy, and prepare for liturgy by putting on the alb and making prayers of preparation before the Liturgy.

During Liturgy, certain responsibilities are designated to each individual server by either the priest or deacons. These responsibilities include:

a. Cross bearer
b. Candle bearers (2)
c. Censer bearer (1-2)
d. Kiss of Peace (5)
e. Fans (2)

Useful Terms
Alb:  White robe worn by the priests, deacons, subdeacons and altar servers.
Altar:  Large wood/marble table in the center of the sanctuary. There are sometimes other altars in the sanctuary in honor of saints.
Missal: Large book on the altar used during the Anaphora.
Aspergillum:  The liturgical instrument used to sprinkle people and objects with holy water.
Boat:  Small vessel containing the incense that will be used with the thurible.
Chalice: Cup that holds the Blood of Christ in the form of wine.
Chalice Veil:  Cloth used to cover the chalice and paten on the altar of preparation.
Ciborium:  Cup with a lid that is used to store the consecrated hosts in the tabernacle.
Corporal:  Square cloth with a cross in the middle that is place in the center of the altar. The chalice and paten are placed on this to catch any small crumbs of the Blessed Sacrament that may fall onto the altar.
Cruet:  Small pitcher that hold either water or wine for use during the Liturgy.
Gospel:  There are four Gospels: (in order) Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Only a priest or archdeacon can proclaim the Gospel.
Gospel Book:  Book that contains the Gospels and is placed on the North Lectern.
Lectern:  Reading stand. There are two: (facing the congregation) the one on the left/South is where the lector reads the Epistle; the one on the right/North is where the priest or deacon proclaims the Gospel.
Lectionary: A large book that contains the Epistle readings.
Pall/Small Veils:  Small square veils that cover the chalice and paten under the large Chalice Veil.
Paten:  A small dish or bowl that holds the Body of Christ in the form of bread.
Purificator:  A small towel that is used to clean the chalices and patens used for the Divine Liturgy.
Sacristan:  The person who takes care of the sacred vessels and vestments used during the Liturgy.
Sacristy:  Rooms in the church where the priests, deacons, servers, and lectors meet to vest and prepare themselves for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
Sanctuary:  The area of the Church that contains the main altar.
Thurible/Censer:  Metal vessel for the ceremonial burning of incense.
Thurifer:  The one who carries the thurible and boat when needed.