The guide for the servants of the Church of Unity

Working translation. Synchronized with the Russian corpus as of 2026-10-25. Canonical formulas are binding only in the Russian original; publication — after human review.

Preface

The guide for the servants is an instruction for those who lead gatherings and instruct the community. Service is not power over others but service to the community. The servant is a conductor who helps the community join with the One through creation, knowledge, and harmony.

The servant is an example for the community. His words, his actions, his attitude reflect the values of the Church of Unity: honesty, respect, creation, the striving toward the One. The servant must be the one whom he calls others to be.

Service is responsibility. The servant bears responsibility for creating the space in which the community can join with the One. He bears responsibility for his words, his actions, his influence on the community.

See also: the Canon, Chapter 13. On Symbols and Mass Actions; the Covenant, Chapter 7. On rituals and gatherings.

1. Preparation for service

1.1. Inner preparation

The study of the liturgical documents. The servant must study the Liturgical statute, the Prayer book, the Order of the mysteries, the Festive calendar, and other liturgical documents. He must understand their meaning and be ready to follow them.

The study of the canon and the Covenant. The servant must deeply understand the canon and the Covenant. He must be ready to answer the questions of the community and instruct it on the basis of these texts.

Spiritual practice. The servant must keep a regular spiritual practice: pauses of silence, keeping the diary, reflections on the path to the One. This helps him be a pure conductor for the community.

Self-analysis. The servant must regularly analyze his service: what works, what does not work, where he can improve. He must be ready to admit his mistakes and correct them.

Consultation with other servants. The servant must regularly consult with other servants, share experience, and learn from them. This helps him grow and improve his service.

1.2. Outer preparation

The preparation of the place. The servant must prepare the place for the gathering, clean it, put it in order, place the necessary symbols and materials. The place must be quiet, clean, and comfortable.

The preparation of materials. The servant must prepare all the necessary materials for the gathering: texts of prayers, instructions for the mysteries, materials for discussions, instruments for symbolic actions.

The preparation of notifications. The servant must send notifications about the gathering to the participants: the time, the place, the purpose, the preliminary preparation.

Arrival in advance. The servant must arrive at the place of the gathering in advance, at least thirty minutes before. This gives him time for the final preparation and attunement.

1.3. Preparation for a concrete gathering

The definition of the purpose. The servant must clearly define the purpose of the concrete gathering. It can be a weekly gathering, a mystery, a feast, a special gathering.

The planning of the structure. The servant must plan the structure of the gathering: which elements will be included, in which order, how much time each element will take.

The preparation of speech. If the servant will speak a speech, he must prepare it in advance. The speech must be honest, respectful, and directed at creation.

Preparation for possible situations. The servant must prepare for possible situations: conflicts, questions, unexpected events. He must be ready to react with wisdom and respect.

2. The order of actions during the gathering

2.1. The beginning of the gathering

Arrival and greeting. The servant arrives at the place of the gathering in advance. He greets the participants as they arrive, creating an atmosphere of unity and respect.

The check of preparation. The servant checks that the place is prepared, the materials are ready, everything is organized. He makes the necessary adjustments.

The announcement of the beginning. The servant announces the beginning of the gathering. He briefly recalls the purpose of the gathering and the structure, if necessary.

The invitation to silence. The servant invites the participants to the pause of silence. He gives brief instructions: to sit comfortably, to close the eyes, to breathe calmly, to observe the thoughts without engaging in them.

Participation in silence. The servant takes part in the pause of silence together with the participants. He does not dominate, does not direct — he simply is present.

2.2. The main part of the gathering

The leading of the main part. The servant leads the participants through the planned elements of the main part. He watches the time, keeps order, and creates an atmosphere of respect and unity.

The address to the community. The servant addresses the community with a speech that inspires, instructs, and directs. His speech must be honest, respectful, and directed at creation.

The moderation of discussions. If the gathering includes discussions, the servant moderates them. He watches that everyone has the possibility to speak, that no one dominates, that the discussion remains constructive.

The work with symbols. If the gathering includes the work with symbols, the servant uses them rightly. He explains their meaning, uses them with respect, and ensures that they do not become objects of idol-worship.

The reaction to unexpected situations. If unexpected situations arise — conflicts, questions, problems — the servant reacts with wisdom and respect. He does not panic, does not dominate, but seeks the solution that serves the common good.

2.3. The completion of the gathering

The invitation to the final silence. The servant invites the participants to the final pause of silence. He gives brief instructions.

Participation in silence. The servant takes part in the pause of silence together with the participants.

The announcement of the completion. The servant announces the completion of the gathering. He thanks the participants for taking part and recalls the follow-up actions, if there are any.

The words of the community. If it is fitting, the servant, on behalf of the community, speaks the words of parting — to the community or to concrete participants.

Informal communication. After the official part of the gathering the servant may take part in informal communication with the participants, if it is fitting.

3. Speech and gestures

3.1. Speech

Honesty. The speech of the servant must be honest. He must not lie, must not exaggerate, must not conceal what matters. Honesty is the foundation of trust.

Respect. The speech of the servant must be respectful. He must not humiliate, must not insult, must not dominate. Respect is the foundation of unity.

Clarity. The speech of the servant must be clear. He must speak understandably, simply, concretely. Clarity is the foundation of understanding.

Directedness at creation. The speech of the servant must be directed at creation. He must inspire, instruct, direct — not destroy. Creation is the foundation of the path to the One.

Restraint. The speech of the servant must be restrained. He must not speak too much, must not repeat himself, must not stray from the topic. Restraint is the foundation of effectiveness.

3.2. Gestures

Respect. The gestures of the servant must be respectful. He must not point a finger, must not cross his arms on his chest, must not demonstrate superiority.

Openness. The gestures of the servant must be open. He must keep his hands open, not close himself, not create barriers.

Calmness. The gestures of the servant must be calm. He must not make sharp movements, must not demonstrate nervousness.

The accordance with words. The gestures of the servant must accord with his words. If he speaks of unity, his gestures must show unity. If he speaks of peace, his gestures must be peaceful.

Minimalism. The gestures of the servant must be minimal. He must not gesticulate too much, must not distract attention from the essence.

4. The address to the community

4.1. The principles of the address

Equality. The servant must address the community as equals. He must not rise above the community, must not demonstrate superiority. All participants are equal in their striving toward the One.

Inclusion. The servant must include all participants in communication. He must give the possibility to speak to everyone, must not dominate, must not exclude anyone.

Listening. The servant must listen to the community. He must not only speak but also hear what the community says. Listening is the foundation of understanding.

Responsiveness. The servant must be responsive to the needs of the community. He must react to questions, to problems, to needs. Responsiveness is the foundation of service.

Wisdom. The servant must address the community with wisdom. He must not say the first thing that comes to mind, must not react impulsively. Wisdom is the foundation of instruction.

4.2. The methods of the address

Direct speech. The servant may address the community directly, speak from himself, share his thoughts and feelings. This creates a personal connection and trust.

Questions. The servant may put questions to the community, to stimulate reflection, to understand needs, to include the participants in dialogue.

Stories. The servant may use stories, to illustrate a point of view, to inspire, to create a common experience.

Examples. The servant may use examples, to show how to apply the teaching in practice, to inspire to action.

Quotes. The servant may use quotes from the canon, the Covenant, and other texts of the canon and the Covenant, to support his speech with authority, to recall the teaching.

5. The work with symbols

5.1. The principles of the work with symbols

Respect without worship. The servant must treat the symbols with respect but must not worship them. Symbols are instruments, not idols.

The explanation of the meaning. The servant must explain the meaning of the symbols to the community. The participants must understand what each symbol signifies and why it is used.

The right use. The servant must use the symbols rightly. He must not distort their meaning, must not use them for manipulation.

The integration into the gathering. The servant must integrate the symbols into the gathering organically. The symbols must support the purpose of the gathering, not distract from it.

Variety. The servant may use various symbols: visual, audio, tactile. Variety helps different participants join with the One.

5.2. The main symbols

The circle with the point. The circle with the point is the only visual symbol of the Church of Unity. The circle signifies the One, the point — the believer. The servant may place this symbol in the center of the place of the gathering as a reminder of unity.

Silence. Silence is a path to joining with the One through inner peace. The servant must include pauses of silence in every gathering. Silence is not the absence of sound but a state of the mind when thoughts cease running in circles.

6. The work with difficult situations

6.1. Conflicts

The acknowledgment of the conflict. The servant must acknowledge the conflict when it arises. He must not ignore it, must not pretend that everything is in order.

The moderation. The servant must moderate the conflict. He must give each side the possibility to speak, must watch that the discussion remains respectful, must direct toward the solution.

The search for a compromise. The servant must help the sides find a compromise. He must not take a side, must not impose a solution, but must help the sides find the solution themselves.

The postponement. If the conflict cannot be resolved during the gathering, the servant may propose postponing its discussion to a separate gathering. This allows not interrupting the gathering and giving the conflict proper attention later.

The documentation. If the conflict was resolved, the servant must document the resolution. This includes the date, the participants, the essence of the conflict, the decision made.

6.2. Questions

Listening. The servant must listen attentively to the questions of the participants. He must not interrupt, must not prepare an answer while another speaks.

Honesty. The servant must answer honestly. If he does not know the answer, he must admit it, not invent.

Clarity. The servant must answer clearly. He must speak simply, concretely, understandably.

Directedness at the teaching. The servant must direct the answers toward the teaching of the Church of Unity. He must refer to the canon, the Covenant, and other texts of the canon and the Covenant when it is fitting.

The postponement. If the question requires a deeper discussion, the servant may propose postponing it to a separate gathering. This allows giving the question proper attention.

6.3. Unexpected situations

Calmness. The servant must keep calmness in unexpected situations. He must not panic, must not react impulsively.

Wisdom. The servant must react with wisdom. He must weigh the situation, consider the options, choose the solution that serves the common good.

Flexibility. The servant must be flexible. He must be ready to adapt the structure of the gathering if necessary.

Support. The servant must support the participants in unexpected situations. He must be accessible, must help, must calm.

The documentation. After the gathering the servant must document the unexpected situation and how it was resolved. This helps learn from experience.

7. After the gathering

7.1. The integration of experience

The pause of silence. The servant must make a pause of silence after the gathering for the integration of what was lived through. This helps him become aware of what happened and prepare for the next gathering.

The entry in the diary. The servant must write his observations and reflections in the diary. This helps him analyze his service and improve.

The consultation with other servants. The servant must consult with other servants about the gathering, if necessary. This helps him receive feedback and learn from others.

7.2. The documentation

The protocol of the gathering. If the gathering included the making of decisions, the servant must document these decisions. The protocol includes the date, the participants, the discussed questions, the decisions made, the responsibility for the execution.

The report on the gathering. The servant may prepare a report on the gathering for the community or for the leadership of the community. The report includes the purpose of the gathering, the structure, the results, the observations.

The feedback. The servant may gather feedback from the participants about the gathering. This helps him understand what works, what does not work, where he can improve.

7.3. The follow-up actions

The execution of decisions. If the gathering included the making of decisions, the servant must ensure that these decisions will be executed. He must distribute responsibility, watch the progress, report the results.

The help to participants. If the participants need help after the gathering, the servant must ensure that they receive it. It can be spiritual support, practical help, direction to other resources.

The preparation for the next gathering. The servant must begin the preparation for the next gathering. He must define the purpose, plan the structure, prepare the materials.

8. The development of the servant

8.1. Learning

The study of the liturgical documents. The servant must constantly study the liturgical documents, deepening his understanding.

The study of the canon and the Covenant. The servant must constantly study the canon and the Covenant, deepening his understanding of the teaching.

Participation in learning events. The servant must take part in learning events: seminars, courses, conferences. This helps him develop and learn from others.

The reading of additional literature. The servant must read additional literature on service, on leadership, on spiritual practice. This helps him expand his knowledge and skills.

8.2. Practice

Regular service. The servant must lead gatherings regularly. Regular practice helps him develop and improve.

The variety of gatherings. The servant must lead various gatherings: weekly, mysteries, feasts, special gatherings. Variety helps him develop different skills.

Mentoring. The servant may mentor less experienced servants. This helps him fix his knowledge and skills, and also contribute to the development of others.

Feedback. The servant must regularly receive feedback on his service: from participants, from other servants, from the leadership of the community. Feedback helps him understand where he can improve.

8.3. Self-development

Spiritual practice. The servant must keep a regular spiritual practice: pauses of silence, keeping the diary, reflections. This helps him be a pure conductor for the community.

Self-analysis. The servant must regularly analyze his service: what works, what does not work, where he can improve. Self-analysis helps him develop consciously.

The admission of mistakes. The servant must be ready to admit his mistakes and correct them. The admission of mistakes is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Balance. The servant must keep balance between service and personal life. He must not burn out, must not forget himself, must not lose connection with the Echo of the One.

9. Online gatherings and digital technologies

9.1. Preparation for online gatherings

The choice of the platform. The servant must choose a fitting platform for holding online gatherings. The platform must be:

• Accessible for all participants
• Stable and reliable
• Supporting the necessary functions (video, audio, chat, screen sharing)
• Safe and protected

Technical preparation. The servant must:

• Check the internet connection
• Set up the camera and the microphone
• Prepare the lighting
• Test the work of the chosen platform
• Prepare the materials in electronic format

The notification of the participants. The servant must send to the participants:

• The link to the conference
• The instructions for connecting
• The time of the beginning of the gathering
• The necessary materials for participation

9.2. Technical requirements

The minimal requirements for the servant:

• A stable internet connection (at least 5 Mbit/s)
• A camera with a resolution of no less than 720p
• A microphone with good sound quality
• A computer or a tablet with sufficient performance
• A quiet and well-lit place

The recommended requirements for the participants:

• A stable internet connection (at least 3 Mbit/s)
• A camera (desirable)
• A microphone or headphones
• A computer, tablet, or smartphone
• A quiet place for participation

9.3. The features of leading online gatherings

The beginning of the gathering.

• The servant connects to the conference in advance (at least 15 minutes before)
• Tests the equipment
• Greets the participants as they connect
• Announces the beginning of the gathering and invites to the pause of silence

The pause of silence.

• The participants turn off the microphones
• The servant gives instructions for holding the pause of silence
• After the pause the servant invites the participants to turn on the microphones

The main part.

• The servant uses screen sharing to show the materials
• The participants may speak through the microphone or the chat
• The servant moderates the discussion, watches the order
• If necessary, rooms for group work are used

The completion of the gathering.

• The servant invites to the final pause of silence
• The participants turn off the microphones
• After the pause the servant announces the completion of the gathering
• The participants may continue communication in the chat or stay in the conference

9.4. Interaction with remote participants

The principles of interaction:

• Inclusion. All participants must have the possibility to contribute, regardless of their location.
• Accessibility. The materials and instructions must be accessible for all participants.
• Respect. The remote participants must respect each other and the servant.
• Patience. Technical problems can arise, and all must be patient.

The methods of interaction:

• The use of the chat for questions and comments
• The use of the "raise hand" function for requesting the word
• The use of reactions for expressing agreement or support
• The use of rooms for group work
• The use of polls for gathering opinions

The support of the participants:

• The servant must be ready to help the participants with technical problems
• The participants must have the possibility to contact the servant before the gathering for receiving help
• The instructions for solving typical technical problems must be provided

9.5. References to the Canon

See also: the Canon, Chapter 13. On Symbols and Mass Actions.

10. Examples of scenarios of gatherings

10.1. The scenario of a weekly gathering

Purpose: the circle gathers and attunes to each other (the Echo from person to person); an overview of the deeds of the community; the making of decisions.

Duration: 60–90 minutes.

Structure:

1. Preparation (15 minutes before the beginning)

• The servant arrives at the place of the gathering
• Prepares the place, the materials, the symbols
• Tests the equipment

1. Arrival and greeting (5–10 minutes)

• The participants arrive at the place of the gathering
• The servant greets the participants
• An atmosphere of unity and respect is created

1. The gap and the quieting (the gathering, then about a minute of silence)

• The servant invites to the pause of silence
• The participants calm the mind, attune to one rhythm
• They open the heart to the Echo of the One

1. An overview of the deeds of the community (15–20 minutes)

• The servant briefly tells about the deeds of the community
• The participants share news and updates
• Achievements and successes are acknowledged

1. The common discussion (20–30 minutes)

• The servant presents the topic for discussion
• The participants express their opinions
• The servant moderates the discussion

1. The making of decisions (if necessary) (10–15 minutes)

• The servant presents the decision for voting
• The members of the core vote
• The result of the voting is announced

1. The final silence (3–5 minutes)

• The servant invites to the final pause of silence
• The participants integrate the experience of the gathering

1. The completion (5 minutes)

• The servant announces the completion of the gathering
• Thanks the participants for taking part
• Recalls the follow-up actions

10.2. The scenario of a festive gathering

Purpose: the celebration of an important event, the strengthening of bonds in the community.

Duration: 90–120 minutes.

Structure:

1. Preparation (30 minutes before the beginning)

• The servant arrives at the place of the feast
• Prepares the place, the decorations, the symbols
• Tests the equipment, prepares the meal

1. Arrival and greeting (10–15 minutes)

• The participants arrive at the place of the feast
• The servant greets the participants
• An atmosphere of joy and unity is created

1. The gap and the quieting (the gathering, then about a minute of silence — not a ritual)

• People come, take their seats, the silence establishes itself
• About a minute of silence before the beginning

1. The main part (30–40 minutes)

• The servant tells about the meaning of the feast
• The participants share stories and memories
• Symbolic actions are performed

1. The festive meal (20–30 minutes)

• The participants share the festive meal
• Informal talks continue
• The bonds in the community grow stronger

1. The final silence (5–10 minutes)

• The servant invites to the final pause of silence
• The participants integrate the experience of the feast

1. The completion (5 minutes)

• The servant announces the completion of the feast
• Speaks to the community the words of parting
• The participants may continue communication informally

10.3. The scenario of an online gathering

Purpose: to gather the circle and attune it to each other when personal presence is impossible.

Duration: 60–90 minutes.

Structure:

1. Preparation (15 minutes before the beginning)

• The servant connects to the conference
• Tests the equipment and the internet connection
• Prepares the materials for demonstration

1. The connecting of the participants (5–10 minutes)

• The participants connect to the conference
• The servant greets the participants
• Tests whether all can see and hear

1. The gap and the quieting (the gathering, then about a minute of silence)

• The servant invites to the pause of silence
• The participants turn off the microphones
• They immerse into silence

1. The main part (30–40 minutes)

• The servant uses screen sharing
• The participants take part through the microphone or the chat
• Discussions and common actions are held

1. The final silence (3–5 minutes)

• The servant invites to the final pause of silence
• The participants turn off the microphones

1. The completion (5 minutes)

• The servant announces the completion of the gathering
• Thanks the participants for taking part
• The participants may continue communication in the chat

Conclusion

The guide for the servants is an instruction for those who lead gatherings and instruct the community. Service is not power over others but service to the community. The servant is a conductor who helps the community join with the One through creation, knowledge, and harmony.

The servant is an example for the community. His words, his actions, his attitude reflect the values of the Church of Unity: honesty, respect, creation, the striving toward the One.

Service is responsibility. The servant bears responsibility for creating the space in which the community can join with the One. He bears responsibility for his words, his actions, his influence on the community.

Preparation for service includes inner preparation, outer preparation, and preparation for a concrete gathering.

The order of actions during the gathering includes the beginning of the gathering, the main part, and the completion of the gathering.

The speech and gestures of the servant must be honest, respectful, clear, directed at creation.

The address to the community must be based on equality, inclusion, listening, responsiveness, wisdom.

The work with symbols must be based on respect without worship, the explanation of the meaning, the right use, the integration into the gathering, variety.

The work with difficult situations requires calmness, wisdom, flexibility, support, documentation.

After the gathering the servant must integrate the experience, document the results, perform the follow-up actions.

The development of the servant includes learning, practice, and self-development.

Use this guide honestly and consciously. May it help you serve the community with dignity and wisdom. May your service draw near the One.

The matter is not in servants — in true service.