A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy

Sources chrétiennes #4

by Nicholas Cabasilas

A remarkable product of Byzantium's last great flowering of theology. Essential reading for the fields of comparative liturgy and history of liturgy.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Religion

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Nicholas Cabasilas (Greek: Νικόλαος Καβάσιλας; born 1319/1323 in Thessalonica; died 1392) was a Byzantine mystic and theological writer.

Cabasilas is a saint within the Orthodox Church. His feast day is June 20. The Roman Catholic Church uses extracts from his Life in Christ as readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter in Year II of the two-year cycle for the Office of Readings).

He was on intimate terms with the emperor John VI Cantacuzene, whom he accompanied in his retirement to a monastery. He was once thought to have succeeded his uncle Nilus Cabasilas as archbishop of Thessalonica; however contemporary records of that see do not show Nicholas as serving in the capacity of archbishop. It is more likely that he served as a priest at the Manganon monastery near Constantinople. In the Hesychast controversy he took the side of the monks of Mount Athos and Saint Gregory Palamas.

His chief work is his Περὶ τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ ζωῆς, ("On the Life in Christ"). in which he lays down the principle that union with Christ is effected by the three great mysteries of baptism, chrismation, and the eucharist. He also wrote homilies on various subjects, and a speech against usurers, printed with other works in Migne, Patrologia Graeca, c. i. A large number of his works is still extant in manuscript.

Cabasilas' major works are Life in Christ and Commentary on the Divine Liturgy. These works display a profound understanding of the sacramental and liturgical life of the Eastern Orthodox Church and are accessible to and instructive for any Christian today worshiping in either the East or West.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"As far as the ceremonies performed in the eucharistic liturgy are concerned, they all have some connection with the scheme of the work of redemption. Their purpose is to set before us the Divine plan, that by looking upon it our souls may be sanctified, and thus we may be made fit to receive these sacred gifts. Just as the work of redemption when it was first achieved, restored the world, so now, when it is ever before our eyes, it makes the souls of those who behold it better and more divine. I say more: it would not even have been of any use if it had not been an object of contemplation and of faith. That is why it was preached; that is why God, in order to give men faith in it, has had recourse to a thousand miracles. It could not have fulfilled its task and saved mankind if, even after it had been performed, it had remained unknown to those whom it should have saved. But when it was preached it created in those men of graceless soul who previously knew it not, a veneration for Christ and a faith and love which did not exist there before. Today, contemplated with ardour by those who already have faith, it naturally does not induce these noble sentiments, but it preserves, renews, and increases what already exists; it makes the believers stronger in faith and more generous in devotion and love [...] That is why it was necessary that actions of this sort, capable of inspiring such feelings in us, should find a place in the ordering of the liturgy." pp.28-29

"The Church prays that the faithful may be made perfect in holiness, so it is reasonable and fitting that she should give thanks for the perfected saints to him who had sanctified them. It is because of this thanksgiving for the saints that the holy liturgy is called the Eucharist. For, though we make mention of many other benefits, yet the saints are the end of all, and it is because of them that we ask for all the other things; so that when the Church gives thanks for anything, it is always for the perfection of the saints that she is giving thanks. All that the Lord has made was made that the choir of saints might be established; and the Church, whenever she gives thanks, has the choir of saints in mind." p.113

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I first read this book maybe 40 years ago, and was not very impressed with it. But recently I read other comments from St. Nicholas Cabasilas that impressed me and caused me to want to read this one again. But I had a similar reaction to my first reading. I just didn't find it full of insight. It is interesting to see that to a large extent the Liturgy as St. Nicholas knew it in his day is the same as we do today. There are a few trivia kinds of things one can learn by comparing what he knew as the Liturgy with what we do today.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful treatise on the theology and form of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy as it was in the 14th century. I spent a lot of time comparing it to the theology of the Tridentine and Novus Ordo Mass, and it contributed much to my conversion to Orthodox Christianity.

I think it is very important for one interested in serious study of Liturgics, and it is an excellent foundation for one starting his journey in the liturgical theology of the Orthodox Church.

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important and significant theological examination of the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy, by the fourteenth-century theologian, NIcholas Cabasilas.

[Melita · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a practicing Orthodox Christian, if you would read 1 book let it be this one. This book explains details on the Divine Liturgy, namely what each process in the Liturgy represents from start to finish and also the significance of each process. It explains all the way from the Prothesis (before the service starts when the Priest prepares the offerings) to the very end; the thanksgiving prayers. As a member of the Orthodox Church, although I understand the purpose of the Divine Liturgy service, I found that I was not aware of the details and significance of all processes. This book made me realise how little I actually knew. I highly recommend this book to all who want to increase their knowledge about the service of the Divine Liturgy. It has information organised in small section, which make it easy to digest, and also paragraphs where it asks a question and then has answers to the question. So I felt that all my thoughts and questions I’ve ever had about the service were answered and, glory to God, I now am more aware of the importance of each process of the Liturgy

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent analysis of the flow of the Divine Liturgy. I wish I had read this years ago! There are many quotable sections with pearls of wisdom to help enter into the Heavenly Banquet more fully. He also address some sections to disagreements with Roman Catholics about the nature of the services and the earthly priesthood.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful exposition on the heavenly banquet by St. Nicholas Cabasilas. Truly a treasure for those who wish to understand the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reread, but it had been a long time. Excellent, clear, theological explanations of the parts of the Liturgy and how we, as Christians, should understand and participate

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 14th century commentary on the Divine liturgy a lot of illustrative symbolism, this book is great around but especially for liturgical history and mystical participation in the service.