omitting or replacing those portions normally chanted by the priest). It is the custom to celebrate a moleben service only in honor of a glorified saint, and when possible the service is done in front of an icon of the person or feast to whom the Moleben is celebrated. Sometimes an Akathist will be chanted during the celebration of a Moleben. The general outline of a Moleben is based on the service of Matins, as served on a feast day, complete with a Gospel reading. Molebens may be (a) occasional (i.e., served according to need), for instance for one who is ill or going on a journey; they may be (b) commemorative (assigned to a particular day), such as the beginning of the new year, or when children begin school; or they may be (c) devotional (in honor of a particular saint). Molebens are very important in the Russian Orthodox tradition, and an entire volume of the Great Euchologion is devoted to them. Most molebens are served in the church, but they may also be served in homes, fields, schools or other appropriate places. Molebens may also be served in processions. The procession may be going to a particular place, such as during a pilgrimage, or it may circle around the outside of the church building (this is very common on the feast day of the Patron Saint of the church or monastery, and during Bright Week). When a processional Moleben circles around the church, very often the procession will pause on each of the four sides of the building, and the bishop or priest will sprinkle holy water on the church, the icons and people that are taking part in the procession. See also Dormition of the Theotokos Akathist External links The Service of the Small Paraklesis (text of the service with audio by Eikona) from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Website The Paraclesis Service Explained St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Dallas, Texas Paraklesis article from OrthodoxWiki The Order of the General Moleben, according to the usage of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Tropar & Kontakion for Royal Martyrs & New Martyrs Of Russia compiled by Fr. Demetrios Serfes Photo: Blessing with holy water during Moleben Photo: Procession around the Church Byzantine Rite Christian prayer Eastern Christian liturgy Christian processions