Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the common term for the eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern-Rite Catholic churches. By extension, this term is sometimes applied to the eucharistic liturgies of the Western Rite Orthodox churches, however the term Mass may be more appropriate here. Also, the Oriental Orthodox usually employ the term "holy offering" (qurbono qadisho in Syriac, surb badarak in Armenian) for their eucharistic liturgies.

Related Topics:
Liturgy - Eucharist - Byzantine - Christian liturgy - Eastern Orthodox - Oriental Orthodox - Eastern-Rite Catholic - Western Rite - Mass - Eucharistic

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While arrangments may vary from liturgy to liturgy, the Divine Liturgy always consists of three interrelated parts:

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• Prayers of Preparation;
• the Liturgy of the Catechumens, so called because in ancient times catechumens were allowed to attend, also called the Liturgy of the Word;
• and the Liturgy of the Faithful, so called because in ancient times only faithful members in good standing were allowed to participate. In modern times, this restriction applies only to communication — reception of the sacrament of holy communion.

There are three Divine Liturgies that are in common use in the Eastern Orthodox Church:

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• the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, used on most Sundays and holy days of the year;
• the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, used during the Great Lent and on Christmas, Theophany, and St. Basil's Day;
• and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, served on weekdays of Great Lent.

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a shortened form of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil. Both are based on the earlier Divine Liturgy of St. James of Jerusalem, which is traditionally attributed to the first bishop of Jerusalem, James the Just (not to be confused with James, brother of Saint John the Evangelist), and which is celebrated once a year on his feast day. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is essentially the office of vespers with a communion service added, the Holy Gifts having been consecrated and set aside the previous Sunday. It is traditionally attributed to St. Gregory the Dialogist. The Latin Rite of Western Catholicism has an analogue in the form of the Mass of the Presanctified, traditionally celebrated on Good Friday.

Related Topics:
James the Just - James - Saint John the Evangelist - Feast day - Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts - Vespers - St. Gregory the Dialogist - Latin Rite - Good Friday

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Divine Liturgy: Structure ►