A Practical Handbook for Divine Services

Publication Data: Jordanville, NY: Holy Trinity Publications, 2011
Format: softcover
Number of Pages: x + 158
Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.5 cm × 14.0 cm × 1.1 cm
ISBN: 978-0-88465-191-8

   
Compiled, translated and edited by Father Gregory Woolfenden from Pravoslavnoe Bogosluzhenie by I. V. Gaslov and other Russian Orthodox liturgical sources

“One of the reasons why the editor was inspired to translate Gaslov’s Pravoslavnoe Bogosluzhenie and the other sources used here was their relative simplicity and lack of fuss. Clergy often delight in arcane additions to the basic simplicity of the Byzantine Orthodox liturgical tradition. Such additions do little more than confuse clergy who are not used to them and obfuscate the liturgical rites for the people who are also participants in them. Similarly, Gaslov is quite clear that there is room for a number of variant traditions, as will be apparent, most especially in the footnotes. Within the broad Philothean tradition, there is room for some variation and no support for an extreme rubricalist mentality. The whole purpose of the directions in this book is that both clergy and people be enabled to serve together in their common acts of prayer. Simple, straightforward, and rational rubrics that have been well internalized by the clergy can allow them the space to pray and, as they pray, to also inspire in prayer those who participate in the body of the church. Our service as clergy is always both of God and of His people.”
—“INTRODUCTION”

CONTENTS

Introduction
1. Little Vespers and the All-Night Vigil
2. The Third and Sixth Hours
3. The Divine Liturgy According to the Order of St John Chrysostom
4. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Appendix 1 Vestment Colors
Appendix 2 A Complete Collection of Canon Responses
Appendix 3 Notes for Concelebration by Priests in the Absence of a Bishop
Notes
Index