www.byzcath.org Forums Mysteries: The Life of Worship Vespers, Matins & the Divine Liturgy The Revised Divine Liturgy New Liturgy is Promulgated!

If we assume that the new liturgikon has the traditional prayers and rubrics for the proskomedia, and the promulgation letter says that "this is the only text to be used", then I think maybe we should politely and patiently start insisting that we actually pray the liturgy as it has been promulgated. I know I am tired, not only of pre-cuts, but an entire proskomedia taking 1 minute and 12 seconds from the time the priest approached the Table of Preparation until he is incensing the Holy Table. (And yes, I am somewhat ashamed of myself for employing a stopwatch during the liturgy.)

Or does "this is the only text to be used" really mean that individual priests can continue to decide which parts of the liturgy they will and will not use on any given day? I am genuinely confused.

where can i find the text of this new revised Liturgy online?

My priest read the promulgation letter at the Divine Liturgy today. It is a sad day for the Byzantine Catholic Church. He is upset and does not know what to do. We told him we will stand with him and fight. He said there was nothing really wrong with the 1965 Liturgy Book. Our bishops just do not want to be Eastern so they are changing the Liturgy to be more Roman Catholic. And this inclusive language garbage. No one wants it except the liberals at the seminary in Pittsburgh. Rome has condemned it. Rome said not to use it. And the bishops close their eyes and force it on a people who want to follow Rome. I guess when all the people are gone they can condemn us for wanting our tradition and think we are stupid for wanting it. But the churches will all be empty and it will be too late. It may already be too late.

Has anyone invited Professor J. Michael Thompson from the Metropolitan Cantor Institute to their parish to explain the changes?

Today he attended DL at our church and after social hall for four hours he graciously provided background info on why the changes were being implemented, history about the our rite, showed us the new book (if I'm not mistaken,eventually there will be a book with Matins services provided also)gave us copies of the revised DL and went through each page singing for and with us the new changes and explaining each in detail.He detailed both translation changes and musical changes.Yesterday he was in the only other BCC in the state doing the same thing.

I strongly suggest you invite him to your parish to do this. This would clear up some of the issues I've seen raised on this forum.

Peace,
Indigo

Dear Indigo,

What issues did he clear up?

He's a Cantor. Likely as not it will be noticed. I have a rather strong voice. I'll join him.

CDL

I'm embarrassed to bring it up but the speaker we need here on the liturgy is Fr. Serge. I'm embarrassed because I invited him and then was forced to withdraw the invitation.

At the very least letters should be written to the appropriate hierarchs expressing our dismay. If possible I think we still ought to sponsor a visit by Fr. Serge.

If our target group for evangelism is 50+ year old feminists I suppose this new liturgy is fine. But if we want vibrant Christians corrupting the text of the Nicene Creed is no way to do it.

CDL

Hi Pseudo-Athanasius,
Slavonic would not, and I daresay would never, be banned from use.
The change from substance to essence conforms with Greek.
There will not be any "liturgical police" but it is expected that this Liturgy will be implemented by Sts. Peter and Paul Day. Suggestions were given on how to introduce changes without just dumping them on the congregation,(every week take a few minutes before or after DL and the cantors introduce a changed section. But only five minutes at a time. Also, during DL the cantors should sing first so the everyone can listen and then join in.Some variations could be sung every DL for nine weeks to help folks get it down pat) and it was admitted that it will take a long time before everyone is completely comfortable with it. Variations can be introduced but if a parish is used to correctly singing a particular variation at the correct time that is fine.For what it's worth , and I mean that respectfully, this revision was published with the guidance and blessing of the Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos,Bishop of ACROD.

Now, I admit I am not half as astute as most of the people on this forum to some of the theological nuances and implications of the Revised Liturgy so I didn't think to ask some of the burning questions about the Creed that trouble so many here.
Even if you have no issues with anything it is worth having him talk to your parish, and those with specific concerns could use the opportunity to address them.


I'm still processing four hours of info and would have to do a read through of the revised DL and this forum to give exact examples, so you'll forgive me if I'm not more precise.


Peace,
Indigo

Dear Indigo,

I'm glad Slavonic will not be prohibited. I guess I'll have to learn it.

I think essence is better.

I've met Thompson before, and I don't have any grudges against him. My issues are less musical and more translation and ordo issues.

Should we not celebrate the revised Liturgy before condemning it?
Reading/studying a text and music of the Liturgy is much different than offering it to God as worship.

Dear Batushkatx,

We'll celebrate it soon enough. But one need not celebrate a liturgy to see that there are flaws in it.

Should we not test drive my car on the PA Turnpike with my new and improved brakes made of 100% marshmallow, guaranteed to be politically correct and non gender exclusive, before condemning it?

Alexandr

There are flaws; earthly worship will always have flaws, worship is only perfect before the face of God in Paradise.

We can see flaws in the revised Liturgy, I am suggesting that we not condemn it before offering it.

Then can we condemn it, Father?

Please do not drive down the PA Turnpike with marshmellows for brakes.