Exploring Orthodoxy; Faith, Worship, and Tradition: Entering the Mystery: Understanding the Divine Liturgy

A step-by-step journey through the sacred actions, prayers, and theology of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy—unveiling the heavenly reality in which we are called to participate.

St Nicholas Cabasilas; Commentary on the Divine Liturgy

St. Nicholas Cabasilas’ Commentary on the Divine Liturgy is one of the most profound guides to understanding the mystery of the Eucharist in the Orthodox tradition. Written in the 14th century, this work leads the reader step by step through the Liturgy, unveiling its spiritual depth, symbolism, and connection to the life of Christ. Cabasilas shows how every action, prayer, and gesture in the Liturgy draws us into communion with God. Students of theology and catechumens alike will find this text an invaluable resource for deepening their love and understanding of Orthodox worship.

Welcome to Entering the Mystery: Understanding the Divine Liturgy—a guided exploration into the heart of Orthodox Christian worship. This page is dedicated to unfolding the sacred structure, deep symbolism, and spiritual meaning of the Divine Liturgy, part by part. Whether you are a catechumen preparing for baptism, a newly illumined Orthodox Christian, or a seasoned member of the Church seeking deeper understanding, this journey is for you. The Divine Liturgy is not merely a sequence of prayers or rituals—it is our ascent into heaven, our communion with Christ, and our participation in the eternal offering of love between God and humanity. Here, each element of the Liturgy will be examined in its original Greek, explained in plain English, grounded in Scripture, and illuminated through the lens of Orthodox theology. Our goal is not only to understand the form and function of the service, but to be drawn more fully into its mystery—so that we may worship with both mind and heart, and recognize in the Liturgy the very life of the Church.

Introduction

Part 1: Encountering the Mystery – A Study in Worship

Part 2: An Overview of the Structure of the Divine Liturgy

Part 3: Liturgy of the Catechumens (Λειτουργία τῶν Κατηχουμένων)

Part 4: Liturgy of the Faithful (Λειτουργία τῶν Πιστῶν)

A Thorough Examination of the Parts of the Divine Liturgy

Part 5: Introduction to Pre Liturgy; The Hours

Part 6: The Great Censing and the Proclamation: “Blessed is the Kingdom”
Part 7: Introduction to the Great Litany
Part 8: The First Antiphon
Part 9: The Little Litany
Part 10: The Second Antiphon & ‘Only Begotten Son’
Part 11: The Third Antiphon
Part 12: Alterations to the Antiphons for the 12 Great Feasts
Part 13: The Small Entrance
Part 14: The Thrice Holy Hymn

Part 15: The Liturgy of the Word and the Kerygma of the Church

Part 16: The Lectionary Cycle in the Orthodox Church: Structure and Patristic Foundation

Part 17: The Litany After the Gospel Reading: Response to the Word of God

Part 18: The Litany of the Departed: A Prayer of Ecclesial Memory and Eschatological Hope