Abstract:
The concept of ‘liturgical year’ indicates a reference to the meaning of the measuring units
of civil time, and especially to the cosmic entities that determine the general rhythm of
time – the sun and the moon. Interestingly, the liturgical time depends both on the structure
of civil time, and, on the two discrete systems of the solar and lunar cycles, which have
always been underpinnings of time measuring. The special importance and influence that
the cosmical rhythms exert on the entire human life are also felt in the structure and theology
of the liturgical time, where it signals the attempt to merge and reconcile the cosmical solar
and lunar cycles within the liturgical year. This leads to a unique theology, expressing the
powerful synthesis of the variability of the lunar cycle compared to the structure of the solar
year’s fixed dates.
CONTRIBUTION : This research reveals the unique orthodox perspective on both civil and
liturgical time, expressing their profound theological meaning, as a conscious, permanent
reflection upon the mysterious, yet real, presence of Christ in the divine services of the Church.
Description:
The author is participating as
the research associate of Dean
Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, Faculty
of Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.
Special Collection: Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania, sub-edited by Daniel Buda (Lucian Blaga University) and Jerry Pillay
(University of Pretoria).
