The Holy Liturgy is the centre of Orthodox spiritual life and the eternal source of theology. This course comprises two semesters, and aims to acquaint participants with the basics of Orthodox worship and to introduce them to the meaning of the symbols and rites used in the worship services and prayers. To understand the Holy Liturgy means to understand the meaning of the coming of the Son of God into this world, which, for Orthodox believers, constitutes the right path to deification and ascension to the “Blessed Kingdom “.
The first semester will be dedicated to the interpretation of the Holy Liturgy with the help of historical and exegetical theological methodology. The second semester aims to introduce participants to the daily liturgical cycle, the Tipikon, and the use of liturgical books. Since this semester follows the chronology of Lenten and Easter services, the sessions will be scheduled to correspond to these feasts in the calendar. The teacher will seek to introduce participants to the practical application of the Tipikon and to the sacramental theological meaning of this liturgical order.
