Course ARS217 · Year II · Autumn 2026-2027

Introduction to liturgical theology (I)

Compulsory course in Sacred art, taught by Dumitru Adrian Vanca.

Overview

Lecturer
Dumitru Adrian Vanca
Seminar tutor
Dumitru Adrian Vanca
Type of course
Compulsory
Language of instruction
Romanian
Erasmus language
English
Domain
Visual arts
Field of study
Sacred art
Form of education
Full-time
Form of instruction
Class / Seminary
Credit awarded by
Grade
Teaching methods
Lecture, conversation, exemplification, PowerPoint presentation, video-projections etc.
Entry requirements
n/a

Aims

to develop an aptitude for careful theological reflection about worship;

to develop an aptitude for careful theological reflection about worship;

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 contents

1. Introduction to the Liturgical theology, 2. Explore the sources of the Church’s liturgy, 3. Studying the liturgy, 4. Historical evolution of Christian liturgy [1], 5. Historical evolution of Christian liturgy [2], 6. Historical evolution of Christian liturgy [3], 7. Historical evolution of Christian liturgy [4], 8. The shape of the orthodox liturgy, 9. Holy orders, 10. Liturgical books and their use in the Church, 11. On the orthodox hymnology, 12. Liturgical vestments, vessels and liturgical objects, 13. Material in the liturgical services, 14. Investigating today orthodox worship.

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;

Assessment

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

Recommended reading

Liturgica generală
Ene Braniște
Edit. IBMBOR, București, 1985 · x
Introducere în teologia liturgică
Alexandru Schmemann
Edit. Sophia, București, 2002 · x
Early Christian Worship: A Basic Introduction to Ideas and Practice
Paul Bradshaw
SPCK, London, 1996 · x
The search for the Origins of Christian Worship: Sources and Methods for the Study of Early Liturgy. 2nd ed.
Paul Bradshaw
Oxford, London/New York, 2002 · x
The Byzantine Rite: A Short History
Robert F. Taft
Liturgical Pres, Minnesota, Collegeville, 1992 · x