Church is a Visible Heaven, Paradise, the House of God, by St. Sergius (Srebrianski)

New Hiero-Confessor Sergius

“When you come to church for prayer or to serve or to read or sing, always remember that the church is a visible heaven, paradise, the house of God. As it says in the sacred book: 'Standing in the temple of Thy glory, we seem to stand in heaven' (end of lenten Matins). You came as a guest to your Father's house; therefore be attentive to everything that is going on there. The holy Master of the house receives you, talks to you, teaches you, comforts and delights you, satiates you with the immortal Supper – His Body and Blood. How can there be any carelessness, inattention, or laughter here? Looking at the officiating priest, in no way consider his private life; rather regard him as God's messenger, to whom God has entrusted the arrangements of the heavenly banquet – the Divine services. For this purpose he wears priestly garments, which guard him from human glances – even his own – that view him as being no different from anyone else. Instead, he appears to us beautiful, glistening like an angel of the Lord. His mouth, uttering the words of the Gospel and the prayers, is the mouth of God. His blessing is Christ's blessing acting through the grace and Mystery of the priesthood. Do not judge the priest for his personal life, but pray for his salvation. It is difficult for a priest, extremely difficult, and fraught with danger. The Last Judgment is more dreadful for him than for others. You must understand that a priest is entrusted to serve on earth in a manner not entrusted even to the angels. If you, with the priest's blessing, are deemed worthy to serve in church, to read or to sing, count this as a great honor and happiness. You will become like an angel of the Lord announcing to the people God's will. In chanting, you are united with the seraphim. You perform a great deed of love for your neighbor when, through reverent standing in church, through beautiful reading and chanting, you warm the soul of the people and bring them to God. Remember: the church and true, beautiful services serve as the primary and greatest sermons about Christ and eternal salvation. Perform these holy labors with fear, reverence and joy.”  

Excerpted from "Grand Duchess Elizabeth", by Lubov Millar, pp. 369-370