For Christ's presence is in reality the Kingdom of God. While the priest blesses and pronounces happy the Kingdom of God, he holds in his hands the Book of Gospels and makes with it the sign of the Cross over the Altar. Thus, the first utterance in the Divine Liturgy is a blessing, whereas the first gesture is the sign of the Cross. The Divine Liturgy is the Kingdom of God. And it is the Cross that leads the way to this blessed Kingdom.

Ευλογημένη η Βασιλεία from Αθωνική Ψηφιακή Κιβωτός on Vimeo.

As an answer to the glorification of God by the priest, the faithful intone the word Amen, which means 'verily', 'truly'. By this consent of the people the priest's blessing ascends to the heavenly Altar. Thus the name Liturgy [lēitos ‘public’ + -ergon ‘working’] is constantly vindicated throughout the service: it is the people's work. The faithful together with the officiating priest participate and act in it.