"Badarak is active prayer. It is a living thing. It is not theater," said Fr. Abraham, last Sunday during his commentary at the end of the his Instructed Liturgy. The Instructed Liturgy was a wonderful experience for the Sunday School students and parishioners alike. As the Badarak unfolded, from the vesting of Fr. Abraham (which took place in the sanctuary for all to see, rather than in the vestry) to the witnessing of the "behind-the-curtain" movements, as the Holy Communion was prepared, the congregation was provided with explanations about the liturgy during appropriate pauses. We were reminded that the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated by the priest for us, but rather it is celebrated by us for us. Therefore, understanding our role in this beautiful service allows us to fully participate. In order to "do this in remembrance of me," as Jesus stated during the Last Supper, we must understand what it is that we are being asked to do. Thank you to Fr. Abraham for his insight and patience in explaining the nuances of the Badarak to all, to Bruce and Rosemarie Ashbahian, who served as the readers for the liturgy explanations and to the Diocesan Department of Christian Education for their text and notes for the Instructed Liturgy.