The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is one of the most widely used liturgical services in Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches. It is a Eucharistic service that follows a structured order of prayers, hymns, and Scripture readings, leading to the celebration of Holy Communion.
This liturgy, attributed to St. John Chrysostom, a 4th-century Church Father and Archbishop of Constantinople, is known for its beauty, depth, and theological richness. It has been the standard form of worship in Orthodox Christianity for centuries.
Who Was St. John Chrysostom?
St. John Chrysostom was a bishop, theologian, and preacher in the late 4th and early 5th centuries. His name, Chrysostom, means "golden-mouthed," reflecting his eloquence in preaching.
He served as the Archbishop of Constantinople and became known for his:
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Powerful sermons
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Devotion to Scripture
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Defense of the poor and oppressed
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Criticism of corruption in the Church and government
He revised the existing liturgical practices of his time, simplifying some elements while emphasizing prayer, worship, and Eucharistic theology. His liturgical reforms became the foundation for what is now known as the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.
Origins and History of the Divine Liturgy
Early Christian Worship
The structure of Christian worship evolved from:
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Jewish Temple and Synagogue services (prayers, psalms, Scripture readings)
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The Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Eucharist
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Apostolic traditions, where early Christians gathered for "the breaking of bread"
By the 4th century, liturgical practices became more standardized. St. John Chrysostom made modifications to the existing Liturgy of St. Basil, reducing its length and refining its prayers.
Widespread Adoption
His liturgy became the primary form of worship in the Byzantine Church and spread throughout the Eastern Orthodox world, including:
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Greek Orthodox Church
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Russian Orthodox Church
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Serbian Orthodox Church
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Byzantine Catholic Churches
Today, it remains the most frequently celebrated Divine Liturgy in Orthodox Christianity.
Structure of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
The Divine Liturgy consists of three main parts:
1. The Proskomedia (Preparation)
Before the public service begins, the priest and deacon perform the Proskomedia, or Preparation of the Gifts.
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The priest prepares the bread and wine for the Eucharist.
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The bread (Prosphora) is cut and arranged on the paten.
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The wine and water are poured into the chalice.
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Prayers are offered for the living and the dead.
This part is done silently at the altar before the official beginning of the liturgy.
2. The Liturgy of the Catechumens
This section focuses on prayers, hymns, and Scripture readings.
Opening Blessing and Prayers
The priest begins with:
"Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages."
The congregation responds:
"Amen."
The Great Litany
A series of prayers for:
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The peace of the world
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The Church and its leaders
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The faithful and their needs
Antiphons and Hymns
The choir sings psalms and hymns, such as:
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The Trisagion Hymn ("Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.")
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The Troparion (a hymn of the day)
Scripture Readings
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Epistle Reading – A passage from the New Testament letters.
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Gospel Reading – A passage from the Gospels read by the priest or deacon.
Sermon (Homily)
A short teaching by the priest, based on the Gospel reading.
3. The Liturgy of the Faithful
This part includes the Eucharistic prayers and Holy Communion.
The Great Entrance
The priest and deacon process with the bread and wine, symbolizing Christ’s journey to sacrifice Himself.
The Creed (Nicene Creed)
The congregation proclaims their faith:
"I believe in one God, the Father Almighty…"
The Anaphora (Eucharistic Prayer)
The most sacred part of the liturgy, where the priest prays for:
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The sanctification of the gifts
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The remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice
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The transformation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ
The priest prays:
"Take, eat, this is My Body… Drink of it, all of you, this is My Blood…"
The Epiclesis
The invocation of the Holy Spirit, asking God to sanctify the gifts.
The Lord’s Prayer
The congregation recites the Our Father.
Holy Communion
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The faithful receive the Eucharist (both bread and wine) from the priest.
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Communion is given with a spoon directly into the recipient’s mouth.
Thanksgiving and Closing Prayers
After Communion, prayers of thanksgiving are offered.
The priest dismisses the congregation with a blessing.
Key Themes and Theological Significance
1. The Eucharist as the Center of Worship
The Divine Liturgy revolves around the Eucharist, seen as the real presence of Christ.
2. The Communion of Heaven and Earth
Orthodox Christians believe the Divine Liturgy is not just a human event but a heavenly reality, where angels and saints participate in worship.
3. Prayers for the Living and the Dead
The liturgy emphasizes intercession—praying for both the living and the departed.
4. Continuity with Early Christianity
The rituals, prayers, and structure remain largely unchanged since the time of St. John Chrysostom.
Music and Chant in the Divine Liturgy
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The Divine Liturgy is sung, not spoken.
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Different traditions use Byzantine chant, Slavic chant, or polyphonic choral music.
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Congregations often respond to the priest’s prayers with “Amen”, “Lord, have mercy,” and other refrains.
Comparison with the Liturgy of St. Basil
The Liturgy of St. Basil is similar but longer and used only a few times per year (e.g., Great Lent, Christmas Eve). The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is shorter and used on most Sundays and feast days.
Why Is the Divine Liturgy Important?
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It connects Orthodox Christians to centuries of tradition.
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It offers spiritual nourishment through the Word of God and Holy Communion.
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It provides a sacred, communal worship experience.
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is a profound and sacred Eucharistic service central to Orthodox Christian worship. Rooted in ancient tradition, it offers believers a deep encounter with God through prayer, Scripture, and Holy Communion.
Whether experienced in a small parish or a grand cathedral, the Divine Liturgy remains a timeless expression of faith, worship, and the presence of Christ in the Church.