Journey to Pascha Series - Lesson #13: The Liturgical Changes During Lent and their Theological Significance

In the life of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Great Lent stands apart as a season of profound spiritual reflection, repentance, and preparation for the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. To mark this time of intensified prayer and ascetic effort, the Church modifies its liturgical practices, creating a distinct rhythm that fosters an atmosphere of solemnity and spiritual focus. One of the most significant liturgical changes during Lent is the transition from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom to the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great on Sundays. This change is not merely a matter of length but reflects a deeper theological and spiritual significance, offering the faithful an opportunity to enter into the mystery of salvation with a heightened sense of awe and contemplation.

In addition to this shift, the Church also limits the celebration of the full Divine Liturgy on weekdays, replacing it with the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, attributed to St. Gregory the Dialogist. This underscores the penitential nature of the Lenten season by allowing the faithful to receive the Eucharist while maintaining a sense of fasting and anticipation for the Paschal feast. These liturgical adjustments reflect the Orthodox understanding that worship is not static but adapts to the spiritual needs of the faithful, guiding them through the seasons of the Church’s life.

Furthermore, the historical development of Orthodox liturgical practices includes an earlier transition from the Liturgy of St. James, the most ancient liturgy of the Church, to the later Byzantine liturgies of St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom. This shift, while occurring over centuries, illustrates how the Orthodox Church preserved the essential structure of the Eucharist while refining its expression to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of the faithful. Understanding these liturgical developments helps deepen our appreciation for the Church’s wisdom in shaping the worship life of the Christian community. We will briefly explore the theological and historical significance of these changes, surveying the patristic commentaries reflecting the liturgical ethos of the season.

Commentary on the Liturgical Change from St. John Chrysostom to St. Basil during Great Lent

The change from the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom to the Liturgy of St. Basil during Great Lent has received both theological and pastoral commentary over the centuries, highlighting its deep spiritual and theological significance. Here are a few perspectives from saints and Orthodox scholars:

St. John Chrysostom (c. 349–407):

While St. Chrysostom himself was responsible for the development of a more concise, accessible version of the anaphora, he held deep respect for the richer theological formulation of the Liturgy of St. Basil. In his homilies, Chrysostom often emphasized the accessibility of the Gospel and the necessity of a simplified liturgy for the everyday Christian, focusing on practicality while maintaining reverence for the divine mysteries. Yet, Chrysostom would certainly have recognized the heightened theological depth of St. Basil’s anaphora, especially in the context of Lent, as a way to encourage greater reflection on the themes of repentance, salvation, and the majesty of God.

St. Basil the Great (c. 330–379):
St. Basil's anaphora, more expansive and intricate, is often seen as an embodiment of his theological depth. He is one of the key defenders of the Nicene faith and was instrumental in shaping Trinitarian theology. In his writings, especially in the Longer Rules, Basil emphasizes the importance of reverence and understanding in the liturgical celebration. His anaphora reflects his concern for the faithful’s understanding of God’s nature and work in salvation. Basil’s liturgy is seen as one that demands the faithful to ponder deeply upon God’s eternal plan and the fullness of salvation in Christ, particularly during the solemnity of Great Lent.

In his homilies, Basil expounds upon the importance of worship and the Eucharist as the source of spiritual life and healing. The longer, more detailed prayer mirrors his desire for the faithful to approach the divine with awe and reverence, especially during times of fasting ad penance like Lent. 

Fr. Dumitru Stăniloae (1903–1993):

A prominent Romanian Orthodox theologian, Fr. Stăniloae emphasized the importance of liturgical prayer in the spiritual life of the believer. He noted that St. Basil's anaphora's emphasis on the cosmic and salvific dimensions of Christ’s work helps the faithful enter into the deep mysteries of God's plan for the world. For Stăniloae, the shift to St. Basil during Lent was not just a change in liturgical practice, but a call to greater theological reflection on the realities of creation, redemption, and the ultimate restoration of the world through Christ. This, according to Stăniloae, is necessary during the Lenten period, a time of repentance and transformation. By praying with St. Basil’s more expansive anaphora, the faithful are called to recognize the gravity of their repentance and the greatness of God’s mercy.

Commentary on the Lenten Use of the Liturgy of St. Basil

St. Nicholas Cabasilas (14th century) – The Depth of St. Basil’s Theology

In his classic work A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy, St. Nicholas Cabasilas notes that St. Basil’s anaphora provides a more profound theological meditation on salvation history, emphasizing the grandeur of God’s mercy and the depth of human sinfulness:

“St. Basil’s prayers lift the mind beyond the visible, beyond the created order, and into the ineffable majesty of God. He draws out the work of divine economy, from creation to redemption, not simply in thanksgiving but in contemplation of God’s boundless love.” (Commentary on the Divine Liturgy, Ch. 29)

Cabasilas sees the longer prayers of St. Basil as an opportunity for the faithful to enter into deeper repentance and awe before God, making it appropriate for the Lenten season.

St. Symeon of Thessalonica (15th century) – The Lenten Connection

St. Symeon, a key liturgical theologian, explicitly connects the use of St. Basil’s Liturgy with the penitential nature of Great Lent:

“The Liturgy of the divine Basil is celebrated during the Great Fast because it is full of compunction and awe. His prayers express at length the unworthiness of man and the greatness of the divine mercy. For this reason, the Fathers established it to be celebrated on days of strict fasting and repentance, that our minds may be lifted up, not by brevity, but by the intensity of divine words.” (On the Holy Liturgy, Ch. 58)

This underscores how St. Basil’s anaphora aligns with the Lenten spirit—calling believers to humility and greater awareness of God’s mercy.

Metropolitan Kallistos Ware – The Liturgical Experience

Modern Orthodox theologian Metropolitan Kallistos Ware reflects on the Liturgy of St. Basil in The Orthodox Church:

“The difference is not merely one of length, but of tone. St. Basil’s prayers are more detailed, more theologically elaborate, drawing the worshiper into a cosmic vision of redemption. This makes them particularly fitting for Lent, a season of intensified spiritual effort.”

His emphasis on the cosmic scope of Basil’s theology aligns with the themes of repentance, renewal, and salvation emphasized in Lent.

The Theological Significance of the Theotokion Change in Great Lent

During Great Lent, the Orthodox Church replaces the standard Theotokion sung at the Divine Liturgy, “It is Truly Meet” (Άξιον εστίν), with a more solemn and majestic hymn:

“All of Creation Rejoices in You” (Επί σοι χαίρει, Κεχαριτωμένη).

This shift reflects the Church’s broader liturgical and spiritual movement during Lent, emphasizing the profound mystery of salvation and the unique role of the Theotokos in God’s divine plan.

The Theological Significance of the Theotokion Change in Great Lent

During Great Lent, the Orthodox Church replaces the standard Theotokion sung at the Divine Liturgy, “It is Truly Meet” (Άξιον εστίν), with a more solemn and majestic hymn:

“All of Creation Rejoices in You” (Επί σοι χαίρει, Κεχαριτωμένη).

This shift reflects the Church’s broader liturgical and spiritual movement during Lent, emphasizing the profound mystery of salvation and the unique role of the Theotokos in God’s divine plan.

Conclusion: Why Does the Church Make these Changes?

The replacement of “It is Truly Meet” with “All of Creation Rejoices in You” is not just a formal change but a profound theological and liturgical movement that deepens the faithful’s experience of Great Lent.

• Lent is a time of preparation → The Theotokos is the ultimate example of preparation for Christ.

• Lent is a time of spiritual struggle → The hymn reflects the cosmic battle against sin and the role of Mary in salvation.

• Lent culminates in Christ’s Passion and Resurrection → The Theotokos suffered at the Cross and rejoices at the Resurrection.

By singing “All of Creation” during Great Lent, the Church shifts the focus from a personal invocation of Mary’s help to a universal, cosmic proclamation of her role in God’s redemptive plan. This reflects the larger Lenten transformation, where the faithful move from self-examination to participation in Christ’s Passion and ultimate triumph over death.

Thus, this liturgical change is not just about words—it is about entering more deeply into the mystery of salvation, with the Theotokos as our guide and intercessor.