L7250A Liturgical Rites

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This course unit builds on the Introduction to Worship with a particular focus on rites other than those of Christian initiation. It enables sacramental and non-sacramental Christian traditions to study the role of rites in their ecclesial life.

Background
The study of ancient liturgical customs in worship is detailed and complex. Current Orthodox liturgical practices, grounded in Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition, were developed over time and were influenced by a variety of factors and circumstances. This course unit will attempt to enquire into the various Christian Liturgical Rites of the Orthodox Church. In so doing it will not only enable students to identify origins of contemporary practice but also provide an appreciation of Christian Liturgical Rites as a rational communal worship “with one mouth and one heart”.

Learning Outcomes & Threshold Concepts
At the end of this course unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of history, structure, and symbolism of particular rites.
    
2. Articulate a sound comprehension of the spiritual richness and transformative power of liturgical rites.
    
3. Employ a ritual framework to devise rites and sacramental expressions where required.
    
4. Give appropriate pastoral expression to liturgical rites.
    
5. Participate with greater intellectual and spiritual awareness in the worship and mysteries of the Church.

During this course unit, students may acquire the following threshold concept. This concept is fundamental to a proper understanding of the unit or course. It is essential for further progress in the discipline: Liturgical rites are an ecclesial expression of a rational communal worship “with one mouth and one heart”.

Weekly Topics

1. Introduction and Requirements to the Course Unit
2. Preparatory Period; Great Lent; Sundays of Lent; Services of Lent; Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.
3. The Great Canon; The Akathist Hymn; Holy Week; Pascha – Antipascha
4. Sunday of the Myrrh-bearers; Sundays of Pentecost; Mid-Pentecost; Ascension; Sunday of the Holy Fathers; Pentecost; Sunday of All-Saints
5. Annunciation of the Theotokos; Saints Peter and Paul; Transfiguration; Dormition of the Theotokos; Saint John the Baptist; Exaltation of the Cross.
6. Synaxis of the Archangels; Entrance of the Theotokos; Fore-feasts of Christmas; After-feasts of Christmas; New Year; Theophany.
7. Vespers; Compline; Midnight Office.
8. Matins
9. Matins (cont.); Hours; 24 hr Service; Supplication to the Theotokos (Paraklesis).
10. Introduction; Vespers; Matins; Trithekti (Third-Sixth); Pannychis (Vigil).
11. A Selection of Sacraments & Ceremonies: Ordination; Marriage
12. A Selection of Sacraments & Ceremonies: Funeral; Holy Unction.