Question: If one enters the church during the time of liturgy and leaves before the end, is this a sin?
Response: What is perfect
and pleasing to God is for the person entering the church to hear the
Scriptures and remain in the liturgy until the very end. For unless
there is good reason, one should not leave before the end; for this is
scornful. If some need presents itself, then that person has permission
to leave early. However, even then, such a person should not justify
oneself, but ask forgiveness from God, saying: "Master, forgive me; for,
I was not able to stay."
St. John the Prophet
