On January 1, 2020 we commemorated Saint Basil the Great as well as the first day of 2020 • many will have opened the new year by celebration the Divine Liturgy • and the sharing of the Vasilopita. ⠀
Most every Liturgy celebrated in the Orthodox Church is the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. • However the Church has apppointed that on certain days of the year we celebrate the Liturgy of Saint Basil • these days are ⠀
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• the five Sunday’s of Great Lent ⠀
• Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday ⠀
• Eve of the Nativity ⠀
• Feast of the Nativity ⠀
• Eve of Theophany⠀
• Feast of Theophany⠀
• Feast Day of Saint Basil (Jan 1 / 14) ⠀
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Unless you happen to know that it is Saint Basil’s Liturgy being celebrated you might not notice, because it differs very little from the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom. However, there are layers in the Liturgy and some of those layers are veiled within the altar – this was was highlighted by our priest yesterday. In Saint Basil’s Liturgy those prayers behind the altar are more penitential and yet also speak sublimely and clearly of God’s deep devotion and love for humanity and all of creation. A closer listen and this s clear, especially the prayers of the Anaphora which say that God created man,
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“and fashioned him out of the dust of the earth and placed him in the midst of a bountiful paradise, promising him life eternal and the enjoyment of everlasting good things by keeping Your commandments” ⠀
Anaphora prayers of Saint Basil’s Liturgy
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Saint Basil also prays beautifully in those same about how when humanity fell from Grace God has never stopped communicating, seeking, pursuing, loving, working and interacting incooperation among His people – not ever. Dynamis. But rather remembering always the work of His Hands – in His benevolent loving kindness, He visits us in different ways – through the tender compassion of His mercy sending forth Prophets and Saints in every generation. ⠀
Simplicity • God has set us within Paradise too, friends • at every Divine Liturgy • oh taste and see that the Lord is good. ⠀
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O our Holy Father among the Saints • Saint Basil the Great • • pray to God for us •
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You can read the Liturgy of Saint Basil by clicking his name below.
Additional Resources:
Exploring the Liturgy of Saint Basil
On the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great
Podcast with Father Thomas Hopko : The Eucharistic Prayer of Saint Basils Liturgy
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