Introduction to Byzantine Liturgy (E) 1,3

This is the third lecture in the course on Byzantine Liturgy offered by Thomas Pott, in which we explore together the richness of the Byzantine liturgical tradition. The course examines its rituals, the history of their development, and the depth of its spiritual and prayer heritage, with attention both to meaning and lived experience.

Particular attention is given to the liturgical practices of Saint Michael’s Fellowship at La Rivelaine, so that the tradition is not only studied theoretically, but also understood through its concrete expression.

The lectures take place once a month: in principle, on the first Sunday of the month in French, on the second Sunday in Dutch, and on the fourth Sunday in English.

During this third lecture, we will continue our exploration of the historical and socio-political developments between the seventh and thirteenth centuries — the period sometimes referred to as the “Tale of Two Cities and Two Deserts” — which form the background against which the Byzantine liturgical tradition took shape and developed into the form we know today.

Anyone interested in liturgy, spirituality, or Christian tradition is warmly welcome.