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The Ethiopian Liturgy: A Birds-Eye View

I. ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT First Phase (4th 7th C.): Translations from Greek and Syriac Sources to Gz (Ethiopic) The ordination of St. Frumentius (Abba Salama) The Ordo Communis of the Alexandrian rite Hippolytus Apostolic Tradition (Egyptian Church Order) Sinodos (Ethiopian Church Order) Anaphora of the Apostles The Greek anaphora of St. Mark The Testament of the Lord (Testamentum Domini)

Origin and development

The flight of the Nine Saints to Ethiopia (ca.

Origin and development

Second Phase (1270 14th C.): Translations

480); Justinian persecution.

The anaphora of the Lord Adaptation of various liturgical texts

(euchologion/Kidan; intercessory prayers [preparatory and post-communio]; Mystagogia [Baptismal text]) The anaphora of St. James the brother of the Lord. Hymnaries of St. Yared (505-580): Dgga, the antipohnary of the year; Sunday Office/ matins and vespers.

from Arabic Sources Didascalia (Didascalia Apostolorum) The Coptic anaphora of St. Basil Lectionary for the Passion Week The Coptic Horologium (Book of Hours) A book for funeral rituals (Maf Gnzt ) Praise of Mary (Wddase Maryam), derived from the Copto-Arabic Theotokias of the Psalmodia. Metropolitan Abba Salama II (1348-1388)

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Origin and development Third Phase (early 15th C.-first quarter of the 16th C.): The Golden Period. Liturgical Reform Abba Giyorgis Maf Satat (Book of Hours), replacing the Coptic Horologium) Homiliaries to be read during liturgical seasons (Abba Giyorgis Book of Mystery and the homiliary of Rtua Haymanot on the Great Feasts of the Lord) lex orandi, lex credendi

Origin and development Theological Controversies: antropomorphism, the Sabbath controversy, veneration of icons. Composition of local anaphoras (15) Spurious designation of the Ethiopic anaphoras, named after the Fathers of the Church (Ss. Athanasius, Cyril, and Dioscorus of Alexandria; John Chrysostom; Gregory of Nyssa and Nazianzus). Maza Qddase , the anaphora of Abba Giyorgis Purpose of gaining credibility by the Church.

Origin and development

Final Phase (16th 17th C.): The Gondar Era Theological controversies with Portuguese

missionaries (Jesuits) Revision of the Ethiopic Missal (Maf Qddase) Addition of rubrics and hymns Composition of festive hymnaries as parts of the Divine Offices Sacramentaries (Book of Baptism; Book of Ordination) revised. Book of Matrimony; Anointing of the Sick.

II. CELEBRATION OF THE ETHIOPIAN DIVINE LITURGY (Qddase) Features: Integration of Jewish, Coptic, and Syrian elements. Prevalence of biblical symbolism Exhibited note of joy and unity Exuberant procession Contemplative character Variable melodies

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Celebration and structural pattern Structure: Part One: Preparatory Service (Proskomedia) Preparations at Bethlehem The preliminary prayers of the celebrant Offertory The prayer of thanksgiving The absolution of the Son Intercessory prayer for the whole created order.

Celebration and structural pattern

Part Two: Liturgy of the Word (ordinary of the

liturgy ordo communis or synaxis) Incense prayer A reading from one of the epistles of St. Paul; Catholic epistles; and the Acts of the Apostles Trisagion Gospel reading + homily Dismissal of the catechumens The three great litanies (for the peace of the Church; hierarchy; laity)

Celebration and structural pattern

Creed (Niceo-Constantinopolitan or Apostolic

Creed)

Lavabo

The Ethiopic Anaphoras

5 of foreign origin and 15 indigenous. theological depth and poetic beauty Tridology and theology of the incarnation

(Anaphora of Mary); Christology (AA. of SS. Dioscorus and Cyril); Apophatic theology (AA. of St. John the Evangelist and that of John Chrysostom); Creation themes (AA. the 318 Nicene Fathers and that of St. Epiphanius).

Celebration and structural pattern Part Three: Anaphora (Liturgy of the Faithful) Dialogue Preface (creation + salvation history) Intercessory prayers (diptychs) Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy, God Lord of hosts) Institution narrative Anamnesis (remembrance) Epiclesis (invocation of the Holy Spirit) Prayer of fraction The Lords prayer + Doxology. Communion and Post-Communion Service

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III. THE LITURGY OF HOURS

I. Satat (Horologium) Horologium of Daylight Hours Nocturnal Horologium Liturgy of the Word centered on Scripture Lections and contemplative hymns for the 7

Liturgy of Hours
II. The Divine Offices (Cathedral Offices) Vigils for feast days (Wazema): selected psalms

canonical hours of daily prayer (Sunset/vespers; compline; midnight; sunrise/prime/matins; terce/3rd hour; sext/ 6th hour; none/ 9th hour)

(24, 93, 141, 102, 85) are chanted, interspersed with various antiphons. Malet (cantillation): celebrated throughout the night at the third ambulatory of the Church. Cantors, choir cane, drums, and sistrums. Mwdds (Sunday nocturn + matins): selected psalms and various biblical canticles. om Dgga: Fasting office; variable chants and lessons for each day of the Lent.