Abstract
The concept of ‘liturgical year’ indicates a reference to the meaning of the measuring units of civil time, and especially to the cosmic entities that determine the general rhythm of time – the sun and the moon. Interestingly, the liturgical time depends both on the structure of civil time, and, on the two discrete systems of the solar and lunar cycles, which have always been underpinnings of time measuring. The special importance and influence that the cosmical rhythms exert on the entire human life are also felt in the structure and theology of the liturgical time, where it signals the attempt to merge and reconcile the cosmical solar and lunar cycles within the liturgical year. This leads to a unique theology, expressing the powerful synthesis of the variability of the lunar cycle compared to the structure of the solar year’s fixed dates.Contribution: This research reveals the unique orthodox perspective on both civil and liturgical time, expressing their profound theological meaning, as a conscious, permanent reflection upon the mysterious, yet real, presence of Christ in the divine services of the Church.
Highlights
In trying to explain the notion of ‘liturgical year’, many definitions have been formulated
The simplest one that is strictly structural claims that: ‘the liturgical year is based on a series of holidays and commemorations that are celebrated throughout a civil year, year after year ...’ (Vismans & Hollaardt 1965:1303)
Each new church year reiterates more than a summary of the ‘oeconomy’ of salvation that is renewed in the liturgical services; it represents a call for Christ’s followers to grow in faith and reach a more profound experience and self-giving state by taking part in the communion at the Table of the Kingdom, a communion that Christ is already giving to the world in a mystical, yet real way
Summary
In trying to explain the notion of ‘liturgical year’, many definitions have been formulated. The Sacrifice and Resurrection of Christ are the essence and centre of the history of salvation, so much so, that the pinnacle and foundation of the liturgical year is the Feast of the Resurrection, preceded by the Great Week of the Holy Passions, and followed by the Bright Week of the Paschal joy.
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