The quieter and simpler sound of the semantron is understood to symbolize the Old Testament prophets, for it is the symbol only of a coming event, whereas the ringing of the bells is spread far into the air symbolizing the annunciation of the Gospel throughout the world. Sometimes Orthodox churches and monasteries will combine the use of bells with the striking of a wooden or metal semantron, with the semantron being sounded first, then the bells being rung later. The use of bells is symbolic of the proclamation of the Gospel. 'And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Make for yourself two silver trumpets … And they shall be for you for the calling of the assembly … When you sound an alarm … And if you shall go forth to war … And in the days of your rejoicing …' The theological understanding of bells as 'weapons' in spiritual warfare, and their role in the Christian life is emphasized during the rite by the scripture lesson from Numbers 10:1–10: The bell is also anointed with chrism, just as an Orthodox Christian is at chrismation. Gabriel' bell, because a bell is not a saint). During the rite, the bell is 'named' (that is, consecrated in honour of a saint, whose icon has often been molded into the side of the bell when it was cast at the foundry-but though a bell may be called the 'Gabriel' bell, it would never be called the 'St. The new bell is blessed with holy water and censed, both outside and inside, and the priest lays hands on the bell to bless it. There is also a service for the blessing of a bell ringer.īells are blessed with a ritual containing many of the elements of the Rite of Baptism. There are several liturgical services which point out the importance of bells in the Russian Orthodox Church: Blessing the Foundation of a New Bell Tower, Blessing a New Bell Tower (after construction is completed), Blessing, Naming, and Chrismating a Bell. Icons are considered 'scripture in image' as bells are 'scripture in sound'. Bells are sometimes referred to as 'singing icons', because they establish the acoustic space of an Orthodox temple just as painted icons and hymnography define its visual and noetic space, respectively.

The use of bells is not only practical, but is also considered to be spiritual.

Proclaim important events, such as the death of a member of the church the arrival of an important person, such as the bishop or civil ruler an emergency such as fire or flood or victory in battle (as dramatically recreated in the triumphant conclusion of the 1812 Overture).

Strengthen Christians in piety and faith by its sound, which Orthodox Christians believe is 'alloyed with divine grace to disperse and destroy the forces of cruelty and of demonic suggestion'.

Announce important moments during the services both to those in church and to those who are not able to be physically present in the church, so that all may be united in prayer.

Express the triumphal joy of the Christian Church.

The ringing of bells is one of the most essential elements of an Orthodox church. Russian Orthodox bell ringing has a history starting from the baptism of Rus in 988 and plays an important role in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Bell ringer