Ancient Liturgy Series #3 - 6th Century

Third in a series of ancient liturgies for congregational use.
Commentary for 6th Century Liturgy including historical ramp-up - Click here
Complete worship bulletin ready to print - Click here 
Lections used for this liturgy are for the 3^rd Sunday of Lent, Year A, NRSV, revised Common Lectionary.

Today’s liturgy is a product of the Western Roman empire and its turbulent history of the 5th century. Amid the ups and downs, twists and turns, fears and doubts of the
Western empire’s populace, the Christian Church offered the average Roman citizen a source of stability, a beacon of hope,
and an opportunity for spiritual peace while under threat.

What are some of the changes we can see? The Western liturgy was more fixed . . . that is, predictable and set,partially as a response to theological controversies and also as an antidote to the changes in the civil order and in the culture. The lessons had been reduced from four to two. In
Rome, preaching as a part of the liturgy was no longer practiced. The “Kiss of Peace” had moved to the “Breaking of the Bread”. A formal blessing of the people at the close of

the liturgy had become fashionable.

More - Click here

Complete 6th Century worship bulletin ready to print - Click here