In this article I have been reflecting more intensely on the Divine Liturgy and its various parts. The Small Entrance is the first significant movement of the   Divine Liturgy. It follows the primary liturgical action which is the gathering of the faithful into the one community of the Church of God. The Small Entrance is the movement of the entire Church through its Head Jesus Christ, in the person of the celebrant, to the altar which symbolizes the Kingdom of God. It is the movement made possible by the Gospel of Christ, the Way to the Kingdom. It can only be accomplished by following Jesus, the Living Word of God in human flesh. (John 1:1-18)

There can be no approach to God the Father but through Christ (John 14:6). There can be no communion with God the Father except by the fulfillment of His commandments, given to us by Jesus and proclaimed in the words of His Gospel. Thus it is the Gospel of Christ takes us into the realm of the   Father and into the eternal life of the Blessed Trinity whose Kingdom we enter and experience in the Divine Liturgy.

The Small Entrance, technically, is not completed when the clergy enter the sanctuary and stand before the Holy Table. It is completed only with the singing of the Thrice-Holy Hymn, during which the clergy proceed to the place behind the altar table (called the High Place), that it is completed with the celebrant proclaiming the solemn biblical greeting:  Peace be with all!

After this first blessing, the people say the appointed Tropars and Kondaks of the day. These are hymns which praise the saving events or holy persons celebrated liturgically at the particular gathering. On Sundays these songs always praise Christ’s resurrection.

While these hymns are being said, the celebrant begins the prayer which introduces the Thrice Holy Hymn. He intones the ending of the prayer which asks God to forgive us every voluntary and involuntary offense. The singing of the Thrice Holy Hymn then follows. This is the prayer which Isaiah (6:1-5)         envisioned the entire angelic host singing constantly before the throne of God. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal have mercy on us!

This Hymn is of very ancient origin. It is a hymn to the Holy Trinity in whose very presence we believe we stand as we celebrate the Divine Liturgy – the prayer that incorporates and ritualizes the life-prayer of Jesus Himself, bringing us into communion with the Trinity.