Introduction to Eastern Christian Liturgies

Stefanos Alexopoulos is an associate professor of liturgical studies and sacramental theology at The Catholic University of America, a Greek Orthodox priest, and the son and grandson of Greek Orthodox priests. He received his PhD in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame. In addition to his monograph on the Byzantine presanctified liturgy, he has coedited three books and published over thirty-five essays and articles. His research interests lie in the history of Byzantine liturgy and how the official or public liturgy intersects with private piety, both in the Byzantine era and today. He is a founding member of the Society of Oriental Liturgy, a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, and a member of Societas Liturgica.Maxwell E. Johnson is emeritus professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame and a retired presbyter in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His numerous publications are on the origins and development of early Christian liturgy, contemporary rites, and current ecumenical and theological questions in both East and West. He is the author and/or editor of more than twenty-five books and over one hundred essays and articles. He is also a former president of the North American Academy of Liturgy, a member of the Society of Oriental Liturgy, a member of Societas Liturgica, and a member of the scientific advisory board for the journal Ecclesia Orans. He has received the Berakah Award from the North American Academy of Liturgy and the Christus Rex Award from the Liturgical Studies Institute at Valparaiso University.

• ContentsList of Abbreviations viiAcknowledgments ixIntroductionThe Rites of the Christian East xiChapter 1Christian Initiation and Reconciliation 1Chapter 2The Eucharistic Liturgies 59Chapter 3The Liturgical Year and the Liturgy of the Hours 137Chapter 4Marriage and Holy Orders 213Chapter 5Anointing of the Sick and Christian Burial 277Chapter 6Conclusion: The Ethos of Eastern Christian Worship and Liturgical Spirituality 355Bibliography According to Rite 389Index 420

“This book could not be more relevant or necessary. Introduction to Eastern Christian Liturgies comes at a time when many foundational Christian traditions are threatened with extinction in the very lands of their origin. It deserves deep study and serious meditation.”Joseph P. Amar, Professor of Syriac Christianity, University of Notre Dame