What do the faithful do after the readings and the sermon?

The litanies, the Creed and the prayer of reconciliation are prayed. “Prayers are offered for the whole Church (including bishops, priests, deacons, and the congregation), as well as for all the authorities and rulers, for the fruits of the earth, for the sick of the people, and for those who are traveling. Afterwards the Creed is said, then the prayer of reconciliation between God and the people.”¹⁵⁵² Everyone gets ready to raise their hearts to heaven to encounter our Lord Jesus, and hence the Church declares the reconciliation between God and humanity through Christ Jesus, and their reconciliation with one another.

The litanies are then prayed according to their order in the Liturgy of St. Basil. The main focus here is for the Church (both clergy and laymen) to raise her heart in prayer for the all the priests and people, entreating God for their spiritual and bodily needs, such as the healing of the sick, the travelers who were unable to attend the Divine Liturgy, and the kings, rulers, and heads of state. The Church is a loving mother to all. She prays even for the plants and fruits of the earth.