Divine Liturgy Responses
The Orthodox Divine Liturgy has variations due to the 1838 revision in Constantinople of the Greek Typikon (liturgical instruction book). Today those that follow the Greek revisions, which basically shortened the length of the liturgy, are identified as the 'Greek tradition' while those who maintain the traditional order of liturgy are known of the Slavic or 'Russian' tradition.
One thing that both traditions have in common...particularly in America...is lack of congregational participation in the parts of the liturgy where they can and should join in. These responses and hymns are often chanted by cantors or a choir with the congregation taking on the role of observers rather than participants. In some Ameriican parishes the retention of immigrant languages is a barrier for the mostly English-only converts and the younger generation. The Greek Orthodox are the most numerous in this category and our Greek responses section has a bi-lingual printout to address this issue and to encourage laity participation.
The link below provides a tri-fold leaflet in English that can be printed and duplicated for use by members of the congregation for those in the Slavic tradition. The leaflet is less bulky than a service book and can be easily put away in a pew or pocket when not being used. It can also be given to visitors to help them follow along in the unfamilar and often confusing liturgy.
The Orthodox Divine Liturgy has variations due to the 1838 revision in Constantinople of the Greek Typikon (liturgical instruction book). Today those that follow the Greek revisions, which basically shortened the length of the liturgy, are identified as the 'Greek tradition' while those who maintain the traditional order of liturgy are known of the Slavic or 'Russian' tradition.
One thing that both traditions have in common...particularly in America...is lack of congregational participation in the parts of the liturgy where they can and should join in. These responses and hymns are often chanted by cantors or a choir with the congregation taking on the role of observers rather than participants. In some Ameriican parishes the retention of immigrant languages is a barrier for the mostly English-only converts and the younger generation. The Greek Orthodox are the most numerous in this category and our Greek responses section has a bi-lingual printout to address this issue and to encourage laity participation.
The link below provides a tri-fold leaflet in English that can be printed and duplicated for use by members of the congregation for those in the Slavic tradition. The leaflet is less bulky than a service book and can be easily put away in a pew or pocket when not being used. It can also be given to visitors to help them follow along in the unfamilar and often confusing liturgy.
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Leaflet with Divine Liturgy Antiphons, Responses and Hymns |
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Differences in the Greek and Slavic/Russian Orthodox Liturgies |
