Liturgy
From the
Greek word λειτουργια, which can be
transliterated as "leitourgia," meaning "the work of the people," a
liturgy comprises a solemn religious
ceremony, following a carefully prescribed formal
ritual. The word is most commonly applied to the religious ceremonies of some
Christian churches. In particular, the Catholic
Mass is a liturgy.
Partial list of liturgical churches and examples of liturgies (past and present)
Frequent liturgical practice
Most Protestant Christian denominations, while often following a fixed "order of worship," do not adhere to a liturgy in the strict sense of the word.
Eastern Orthodox churches call the liturgy in which the
Eucharist is celebrated and served the
Divine Liturgy. This is generally comparable to the
Roman Catholic Mass, although some details are different. This can also refer to the detailed rubrics for this ceremony; two of the best known are the "Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and the "Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Matins refers to prayers generally said in the morning, without the Eucharist.
Vespers refers to prayers generally said in the evening, without the Eucharist.
Great Vespers is an extended vespers service used on the eve of a major Feast day, or on the evening before the Eucharist will be celebrated.
A liturgy can also refer to the public burdens assigned to the wealthy in ancient
Athens, such as outfitting warships, holding banquets and training choruses. See
noblesse oblige.
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