Things to know about Slovak Lutheran Liturgy
Liturgical Vestments
- black gown as used by the German Lutheran Church
(academic robe from the 16th century worn by university
professors) -- called "luterák" (Luther Rock / Luther
Skirt)
- collar -- two white-cloth rectangular strips symbolizing
the two tables of the Decalogue -- called "tablicky"
(pronounced as "tublichky")
- white vestment worn over the gown on many occasions (by
pastors only, not by chaplains) -- called "kamza"
(pronounced "kumzhah")
- stoles are not used, all robes are black-and-white
Lord's Supper
- chalice -- used mostly as common cup (separate cups used
rarely), usually administered by the pastor to the mouth
- wine -- white wine is usually used (non-alcoholic
substitute possible)
- bread -- unleavened small waffles, administered by the
pastor to the mouth
- general confession (or Confiteor) precedes the communion;
personal absolution follows (by the pastor laying hands on the
heads of the communicants)
- kneeling in the altar area during distribution is common
- Lord's Supper celebrated infrequently (usually once a
month)
Baptism
- usually infants are baptized; adult baptism also possible and
welcomed
- usually a family celebration (often not a part of Sunday
worship service)
- pouring water on the forehead is used
- baptism "into the name", not "in the
name" of the Triune God (becoming a member of God's family,
receiving His name)
- baptism font usually small, placed next to the altar (not
the entrance to the church)
Worship Service
- during some parts of the service, the pastor is turned back to
the people
- people stand during all lections, sit during all songs and
prayers
- credo follows the gospel reading
- the pastor prays after the sermon (and concludes his
prayer by the Lord's Prayer) -- no "prayer of the
day" (usually the pastor is the only person to pray
aloud)
- pulpits are usually elevated, churches usually have
"walltars" (altar next to the wall)
- women serve as pastors, there are two
"levels" of priesthood -- chaplain, pastor
Tomas Gulan, Jan Gondol
© Evangelical (Lutheran) Church of the Augsburg Confession in Slovakia 1998-2005