http://www.parma.org/bishop.htm#Voice

Voice of the Shepherd

The New Edition of the Divine Liturgy

In the mid-1990s, under the leadership of Metropolitan Judson Procyk, our church began a new look at ourselves with an eye to the future. One aspect was to review our celebration of the Divine Liturgy, to assure that the way we worship is faithful to Byzantine Catholic spirituality and theology and is welcoming to persons of 21st century America.
A complete program of revising texts and music and producing modern catechetical materials was envisioned.
A commission, representing all four eparchies, completed an extensive review and editing, which was then revised and approved by the Council of Hierarchs. The approved text was presented to the Holy See of Rome for its comments and recognition.
This long process was interrupted by the death of Metropolitan Judson. But now, over 10 years later, the church is prepared to present this new edition.
Last year, our eparchy presented the “Heaven on Earth” seminar, to help us direct our attention to the Divine Liturgy.
At that seminar, we were reminded, if not informed, of the many “why’s” of our Byzantine Catholic eucharistic worship. The seminar draws from the teaching of the early Church Fathers and from recent documents.
One very important document that provided principles used to produce this new edition came from the Second Vatican Council’s “Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.”
In that document, we are reminded that the Liturgy is both for those of faith and for all. It is an eternal action witnessed by us in our own time and place. No one should feel excluded.
The structure of the Liturgy must assure “that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy” (#14), as together, clergy and laity, we form the body of Christ. Although certain parts are designated for the clergy, they are intended to benefit all present (#33).
“… it is essential to promote that warm and living love for Scripture to which the venerable tradition of both eastern and western rites gives testimony” (#24).
The various roles of persons within the Liturgy are to be respected. Priests, deacons, concelebrants, cantors, etc., together with all the laity, must exercise within their particular vocation to holiness (#28, 29).
The language of the Liturgy is to be such that it is easily understood (#34).
Change is never easy; those who remember the introduction of English will attest to that. To help with the transition, the various inter-eparchial commissions have produced a number of tools: publications for clergy, cantors and people; audio recordings of the new edition set to our chant; video recordings of the celebration and also of a catechetical session.
It is my personal hope that we will take a positive attitude and sincerely make an effort to adapt to the changes. Let’s not let disagreement on words or rubrics weaken our unity. With this unity, our church will continue to realize for years to come the blessings of the awesomeness of our Liturgy.

At least Vladyka John admits there are many who do not favor these changes.

Ungcsertezs

I would certainly like to see this "Heaven on Earth" presentation. I keep hearing about it but where is it? It is my understanding that the "Heaven on Earth" seminar deals with a good deal more than the wording of the liturgy. Does anyone know if this is true?

CDL

It seems to me there are two types of Faithful.

Probably most of the Nash (if my guess is right) will ultimately accept the changes. Some might welcome the changes. Who knows, perhaps everyone will get used to the new text and settle down?

The animated restorationists have always been a minority, these may feel betrayed by the changes, but to a great extent they are the new voices.

For many parishes a loss of 10% of revenue could push them past the tipping point. I just don't think that 10% will ultimately leave. The UGCC doesn't seem to offer a suitable liturgical alternative in many places, and the Romanians and Melkites are not sufficiently spread about to serve as a haven for all who need a new home.

My guess is the Ruthenian Metropolia will continue on the trajectory it has followed for forty years.

Michael

It went about last year, didn't it? I got a mailing on it before I was dropped from the Eparchial list.

Michael

Downward spiral?

Ungcsertezs

I hesitate to say.

Perhaps now that Vladyka John has taken his stand along with the synod he will also be prepared to use economy on a case-by-case basis, for the spiritual welbeing of those "challenged" by the changes.

Michael

Heaven on Earth is an excellent tool for liturgical catechesis.

It does not explain the logic of inclusive language or liturgical reductionism -- nor was it it intended to do this.

Heaven on Earth would be a great way to begin a real renewal of our Metropolia.

The program takes people inside the dynamism of the Divine Liturgy. It has much to offer the Church and only needs to be unpacked.

John,

Agreed. True that it would be a great way to begin renewal. But true renewal will only come when we truly become what John Paul II, of happy memory, called us to be.

Unfortunately the Church has and continues to ignore this call.

Also,

Renewal doesn't begin by insulting women by telling them they can't understand the english language.

I never saw it. I didn't even hear about it until after Father told me he was in a discussion about it. Does a text exist anywhere?

CDL

Heaven on Earth was offered in Munster, Ind., about a year ago. It was offered again in Homer Glen, Ill., within the past six months.

There are advantages to paying attention. How did I miss it? Don't let Father know. (wink, wink)

CDL

Here is paragragh 23 of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy