The Liturgy of the Catechumens begins with the pronouncement:

"Blessed be The Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto ages of ages."

As he recites these words, the Priest makes the sign of the Cross with the Gospel Book (Evanghelion). Then follow prayers in the form of petitions to which the choir responds with "Kyrie Eleison" (Lord, have mercy); hymn in honor of the Theotokos, the Son of God, and the Holy Trinity; also the hymn (Troparion) for the feast day and for the dedication of the Church.

Then follows the most dramatic part of the Liturgy of the Catechumens, the Lesser Entrance. It is called "Lesser" because it anticipates the "Great Entrance" which is to come later. The Priest, accompanied by altar boys bearing candles or lamps, takes the Gospel Book, moves to the right of the Holy Altar and around behind it in order to come out of the left side door of the Icon Screen. He pauses facing the Royal Doors, holds up the Gospel Book and says, "Sophia, orthoi!" ("Wisdom, Arise!") This enjoins the congregation to be attentive to the wisdom contained in Jesus' Gospels. The procession represents the coming of Christ to preach His Gospel message of salvation to the people. The candles carried by the altar boys symbolize the light of Christ's teaching. "I am the Light of the world," says the text on the Book which Christ is pictured holding on the icon to the right of the Royal Gate.

The Lesser Entrance is followed by the readings. First comes the reading from the Apostle. This is in the form of an "Epistle" or letter. It is usually read by one of the chanters, since it can be read by a layman. Then follows the reading from the Gospel which is always read by the Priest or by a Deacon, if there is one present. The readings are intended for instruction, and since the purpose of the sermon is to instruct and frequently to explain the Scripture readings, the traditional place for it is after the readings. In the days when Catechumens were dismissed soon after, this was important. Today the sermon is usually at the end of the Liturgy.