Those who celebrate Christmas are already well aware that on this holiday to give gifts and congratulate each other beautiful postcards.Some heard about a special Christmas dinner with turkey in Western countries.But there is another, very important, and especially the church ritual that certainly marks an event - Christmas liturgy.The meaning of this action is defined as the general meaning of Christmas, and the liturgical rites of the Church.Therefore it is necessary to start to talk about each of these elements individually.
Christmas - history, meaning and significance of the holiday
As the name implies, Christmas - it is the birthday of Jesus Christ.In fact, the date of the event is somewhat arbitrary in the church calendar, because, firstly, originally in the church of this event is not celebrated.Secondly, when it is still accepted, then combined with the baptism of Christ and the episode of the Magi visiting the eastern baby Jesus shortly after his birth.The name of this combined feast Theophany, or, in Russian, Epiphany.And it was celebrated on January 6.And thirdly, a little later, these events still smashed on different dates, resulting in a memory of Christmas began to come on December 25 - the day of the winter solstice (at the time).
This was no accident, but an event of Christ's birth is not connected.The fact that the winter solstice - the large pagan festival in which many solar deities worshiped most diverse pantheons.Christian power of the empire to cover the ancient pagan traditions, tied to the evangelization of this date with the birth of Christ - the Sun of righteousness, as it is called, Christians, obviously, opposing "false" from their point of view, the solar gods.Since then, the date changed once more - during the change of the Julian calendar Gregorian.Thirteen days difference between them cause that is Christmas in Russia is celebrated on 7 January.This situation is relevant for those churches who follow their inner life of the Julian calendar.
itself, Christmas marks the idea of the Incarnation.Christians believe that God himself became man in the person of Jesus, and his birth from Earth and women in this virgin - a great miracle.Believers see this event fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the coming of the Messiah - the divine messenger who will save the world.Therefore, the feast of Christmas is so important for them.
Liturgy - definition
The word "liturgy" from Greek means "common cause."In pre-Christian times it designated public service obligations and the aristocracy for the maintenance needs of the city.In the Christian Church the term came to be called the main worship service, during which commits the central sacrament - the Eucharist.The leitmotif throughout the ceremony served as the idea that offered on the altar bread and wine transubstantiated way the mystery of the flesh and blood of Christ (apparently remaining bread and wine), which is then received communion believers.This ordinance was established by Jesus during the Last Supper so-called, and they also were commanded to play it during the meetings of the students, that is, Christians.Without the participation in this ritual is believed to be impossible to attain salvation that God offers in Christ.That's why a regular service to and participation in the liturgy so important for believers.
Over time churches developed a myriad rite liturgy.Some of them no longer exist.Others developed, continue to be used to our time.
Ranks liturgy used in the ROC
As for the practice of modern Russian Church, today there are three generally accepted order of the Liturgy: John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, only eat during Lent.The most common, so to speak, everyday is the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.A rite of St. Basil the Great is in the course of only ten times a year.Christmas liturgy - among them.But only if the vigil, it is the eve of the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday.Otherwise, the day of the feast is served Christmas Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great - to Eve.
Features Liturgy on Christmas
Like any festive ceremony, liturgy timed to the day of the appearance of Jesus Christ into the world, has its own characteristics.First, the difference between the Christmas liturgy - the text.So, instead of the daily psalms are sung in the service of holiday antiphons.Instead, the so-called Trisagion is sung "Jelica krestistesya in Christ, in Christ have put on, Hallelujah."Similarly, "It is truly meet" is replaced by "magnified, soul ... ... likes to slaughter us."Last, the difference between the Christmas liturgy - the text of the biblical readings, that is, the Gospels and apostolic letters, which tell of that day Adoration of the Magi, and the incarnation of God, respectively.The scale of the festival also highlights the ministry of the Eucharist.If all the other days it is sent early in the morning, then in this case the night - the usual time served Christmas liturgy.How long it is - a complicated question.It depends on the speed of reading, singing, and the number of communicants from local traditions.If some parishes are stacked in two hours, the number of monasteries service can stretch almost the whole night.
Christmas and Christmas Liturgy: 2015
last thing worth mentioning is the date of the celebration of this, in 2015.Because, as has been said, one of the church adheres to the Gregorian calendar, and the other - Julian, then it turns out that some have celebrated Christmas on January 6 this year.For others, Christmas Liturgy will be sent at the end of 2015 - December 25.As for the Russian Orthodox Church, it is one of the churches have already celebrated.
