The ringing of bells is one of the most essential elements of an Orthodox church. Church bells are rung to: * Summon the faithful to services * Express the triumphal joy of the Christian Church * 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 * 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" * 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 dramatica