The Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is considered the most significant Christian Service. But Why? What meaning does it hold? Being so important that the faithful have an active participation in the offering of the Divine Eucharist, the understanding of the Divine Liturgy as to its meaning and form is usually adequate. Many Christian’s attend Divine Liturgy on a weekly basis (as they should naturally) but they do not understand it’s complete meaning or significance. It is not just merely a few prayers and hymns, but the center of the inspiration of Christians in their communion with God and with one another.

The Divine Liturgy was in practice right after the decent of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples of Christ on the 50th day after His Resurrection (Acts 2:46). Though, it was established by the Lord himself at the Last Supper. It was officiated long before the writings of the New Testament. At the beginning of the Christian faith, the Divine Liturgy consisted of hymns and prayers for the officiating of the faith, as well as the Holy Eucharist. The Divine Liturgy of the primitive Church took various forms over the first few centuries of Christianity, but the meaning given to it by both the celebrants and the communicants was one and the same; that is, the belief of the awesome change of the sacred Species of the Bread and Wine into the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Apostle Paul wrote (1 Cor 11: 23-30) quoting the words of the Lord, “This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood, this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” We participate in the Divine Liturgy to remember the sactified work that was done on the cross by our Lord and God, Jesus Christ. The Holy Communion (The Body and Blood of Christ) is the strongest belief in the Church. It is to be remembered that the Divine Liturgy is offered to enact the Holy Eucharist.
(Eucharist from the Greek verb not only has the meaning Thanksgiving, but also that of Sacrifice.)

When attending the Divine Liturgy, it is not merely a prayer offered to God, but a real communion with God. It is a worship of the whole body of Christ - His Church. The Celebrant and Communicants during the Liturgy are bound to participate and respond to each other and among them selves in the name of the Lord. Divine Liturgy is not a scene of a vigorous Priest and an inactive audience. Every participant has an important part in the Divine Liturgy, both for its officiation and for their participation in it.

The Divine Liturgy we participate in today, is that of St. Chrysostom. It consists of readings from the Scriptures and of solemn hymns and prayers. The partaking by all the faithful is intended. This participation includes singing, reading, listening, prayers, an understanding of what is happening, concentration, faith and fear, some gestures and the partaking of Holy Communion. (The Holy Echuarist – Body and Blood of Christ)

The following is an outline of the Divine Liturgy: