www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Divine liturgy of St. Basil in parishes

During Lent, the Divine liturgy of St. Basil is used on Sundays. it seems some church-goers do not understand why the anaphora is longer etc., as they are more accustomed to the liturgy of john chrysostom. in my parish they sing lenten hymns while the priest prays the anaphora. do other parishes do it this way?

We've begun reading Great Lent by Father Alexander Schmemann in our parish book group. In Chapter Two "The Lenten Worship" which we read today Father has a very useful reflection on the purpose of the worship in the Fast including the added length and "monotony", as he calls it, of the services. The book, at least some of it including this chapter can be read on googlebooks [tinyurl.com]. Don't know if Fr. Schmemann's teaching would be helpful for your parishioners.

I'm unclear what you mean by

It seems highly odd to me to sing anything other than the responses during the anaphora (if that is what you mean).

The service books quite clearly say for example to sing the Holy Holy Holy in response to "Singing, crying aloud and saying", not Holy Holy Holy plus something else.

In every Orthodox Church I am aware of, either an anpahora meant for St John's liturgy is sung more slowly to allow the priest time to pray, or else a longer version of the anaphoral hymns composed especially for St basil's liturgy is sung (and there are many examples of such, not all are musically difficult).

If you read Russian/ Church Slavonic I can help you out with music for the anaphora at St basil's liturgy if you send me a PM.

I'd have to agree.
The responses -- and the special Hirmos of the Liturgy of St Basil -- all have longer, more ornate melodies.
We make the words available, and remind the faithful of the changes at the beginning of the Great Fast.

I know of several parishes in my area that take the St. Basil responses, but the celebrants use the Anaphora and prayers of St. John Chrysostom. Kinda misses the point....