Course aims:

to develop an aptitude for careful theological reflection about worship;
to identify the common roots of liturgical traditions in different Christian confessions;
to appreciate more and understand more deeply their own liturgical tradition and worship;
to develop basic skills in worship and conducting liturgical services;
to articulate key biblical and theological foundations of Christian worship.

Course Entry Requirements:

n/a

Course contents:

1. Studying the Liturgy, 2. The Daily Cycles of Prayer. The Liturgy of the hours, 3. Holy and Divine Liturgy [1], 4. Holy and Divine Liturgy [2], 5. Holy and Divine Liturgy [3], 6. Holy and Divine Liturgy [4], 7. Holy and Divine Liturgy [5], 8. Holy and Divine Liturgy [6], 9. Holy and Divine Liturgy [7], 10. Holy and Divine Liturgy [8], 11. Mystagogy. Byzantine commentaries, theological meanings and interpretations of Divine Liturgy [1], 12. Mystagogy. Byzantine Commentaries, theological meanings and interpretations of Divine Liturgy [2], 13. Confessional geography, 14. The Divine Liturgy in nowadays. Misunderstandings & Challenges.

Teaching methods:

Lecture, conversation, exemplification, PowerPoint presentation, video-projections etc.

Learning outcomes:

• To give knowledge, understanding and a correct using of liturgical basic concepts specific to the Orthodox Christian liturgy; • To provide the necessary methodological and research skills for further study and research in liturgical topics.

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Colloquium (heuristic dialogue) – 50%; written paper (interpretative essay) – 30%; continuous assessment – 20%.

Recommended reading:

Bartolomeu Anania, Cartea deschisă a împărăţiei. O însoţire liturgică pentru preoţi şi mireni, Edit. IBMBOR, București, 2005, x.
Ene Braniște, Liturgica specială, Edit. Lumea credinţei, București, 2005, x.
Juan Mateos, Celebrarea Cuvântului în Liturghia Bizantină, Edit. Renaşterea, Cluj-Napoca, 2007, x.
Petru Pruteanu, Liturghia Ortodoxă: istorie şi actualitate, Edit. Sophia, București, 2008, x.
Alexander Schmemann, Euharistia - Taina împărăţiei, Edit. Sophia, București, 2012, x.