01 liturgy of the catechumens intro
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This document provides an overview of the historical liturgy of the catechumens. It describes the transitional ritual that began with readings to introduce pagans to Church doctrine and included preparatory prayers by the priest. It also outlines the opening parts of the liturgy, including litanies, hymns, and the Trisagion. Additionally, it details the initial incensing ritual performed by the deacon after the proskomidia to sanctify the church with incense while Psalm 50 is recited silently.
01 liturgy of the catechumens intro
- 1. Historical Prospective of the Liturgy LITURGY OF THE CATECHUMENS: INTRODUCTION ipodiakonos zoran j. bobic
- 2. The transitional Ritual: • …pagans had to learn the doctrine of the Church; • …attend catechetical Synaxis; • 2 essential things to learn before Baptism: • Proper method of prayer; • Major teaching of Christ; • Instruction and prayer benefits both catechumens and baptized; • Liturgy of the Catechumens = to create an atmosphere of faith;
- 3. The transitional Ritual: Until the 5th century • It began with the reading of the lessons; • Person was introduced to the congregation; • Later came “introductory ritual”; • Preparatory prayers of the priest before the iconostas; • His entrance into the sanctuary; • Vesting; • Proskomidia; • And everything up to the actual reading of the lessons;
- 4. The transitional Ritual: Opening • Litany of Peace; • 3 Antiphons (each by deacon); • Little Entrance; • Followed by hymns: tropars, kondaks and etc. • Trisagion; • The Liturgy of Catechumens are present in all Rites;
- 5. Initial Incensing: • After proskomidia dismissal deacon incense: • 3 times prosthesis • Holy Table – all four sides • Icon behind the Altar and other icons in the sanctuary • Exits on North door: Royal Doors, icons on the south of iconostas then on the north • Right and left choirs then people • Returns through South doors: again Holy Table 3 times • Finally celebrant 3 times • The interval between proskomidia and beginning of the Liturgy is taken up with incensing;
- 6. Initial Incensing: • While incensing there is silent prayer; • Psalm 50 (silently as well); • The prayer is attributed to St. John Damascene; • Originally it is from Holy Week service; • Placed here in 14th century; • Altar symbolizes Lord’s tomb; • Placing Holy Gifts is expressing the burial of Christ; • Psalm 50: this appeared between 13th – 16th century; • Incensing the whole Church was established toward the end of 6th century; • From 13th century some documents say this is done by priest some by deacon;