We cannot deny the fact that our Divine Liturgy is symbolic in nature. It is important, however, that we truly understand the idea of symbolism as it pertains to the Liturgy. The most prevalent, “current” answer to this question of symbolism consists in an identification of the symbol with a representation or illustration. When it is said that the “Little Entrance” truly “symbolizes” the Savior’s coming out to preach the Gospel, it is understood by this that the rite of entrance represents a certain event of the past. And this “illustrative symbolism” has come to be applied to worship in general, whether taken as a whole or in each of its separate rites. And since this interpretation of “symbolism” is undoubtedly rooted in the most pious of feelings, it would occur to very few that not only does it not correspond to the basic and original Christian conception of worship, but actually distorts it and provides one of the reasons for its present decline.

The reasons for this lie in the fact that “symbol” here designates something not only distinct from reality but in essence even contrary to it. It should be noted that the strong emphasis on the “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharistic gifts grew primarily out of a fear that this presence would be degraded into the category of the “symbolic.” But this could only happen when the word “symbol” ceased to designate something real and became in fact the antithesis of reality. In other words, where one is concerned with “reality” there is no need for a symbol, and, conversely, where there is a symbol there is no reality. This led to the understanding of the liturgical symbol as an “illustration,” necessary only to the extend that what is represented is not “real.” Thus, two thousand years ago the Savior came forth to preach the Gospel in reality, and now we illustrate this act symbolically in order to recall for ourselves the meaning of the event, its significance for us.

Symbol, much like the word Myth, has become distorted in our modern use. It is important that we don’t reduce what we do during the Divine Liturgy to mere symbolism, that is something that isn’t real. We believe that Christ is truly present Body and Blood in the Eucharist. His presence is real.
Much more about this!