The Development of the Byzantine Liturgy
This class will be a survey of the development of the Byzantine liturgy, from its origins, focusing on the 11th and 12th century, to the modern celebration. It will provide an overview of the origins, the importance of the city of Constantinople, the building of Hagia Sophia and its shaping of the liturgy, and the interaction with monasteries and cathedrals. Attention will be given to the liturgical documents, such as the Liturgy of Basil and Chyrsostom (and why each one is used on particular days), and books such as the Book of Hours, Psalters, Typikons, and Euchologions, books used on a daily basis. The interaction between ritual celebration, liturgical setting (architecture, iconography, city plans) and mystagogy will also be discussed. No knowledge of languages, history, architecture, or medieval Constantinople is required. This class will be a survey that will help us understand why we celebrate the liturgy in a particular way and how it developed.
Mondays, 1-2PM
Offered by Jessica Rentz, 1st Year, Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology, Department of Theology and Religious Studies