Prostration
Lying full length and face down on the floor or ground as a gesture of humility and devotion. This posture may also express adoration or submission. Historically, prostrations have been made in some churches by the celebrant and assisting ministers at the beginning of the Good Friday service and during litanies at the Easter Vigil service. Prostrations have also been made by ordinands during the Litany for Ordinations. Prostration is never required by the BCP.
Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.