Participating in the Divine Liturgy | The Divine Liturgy is celebrated by the whole Church—clergy and faithful. Everyone therefore, is a participant.  No one is a mere observer.  The people participate in many ways.  They sing the hymns; they are attentive to the prayers and the Readings; they enact various gestures such as bowing, kneeling, making the sign of the Cross, and even exchanging the kiss of peace.  Of course, the ultimate sign of participation in the Divine Liturgy is receiving Holy Communion, which is offered only to Orthodox Christians who are in good order with the faith, life and canons of the Church.