The point of this blog is to help us all look for and find ways to encounter Christ at the liturgy after the Liturgy. The liturgy after the Liturgy is a phrase attributed to Fr. Alexander Schmemann of blessed memory. This concept is based in part on a sermon by St. John Chrysostom, who said, “Would you see His altar also?…This altar is composed of the very members of Christ, and the body of the Lord becomes an altar. This altar is more venerable even than the one which we now use. For it [referring to the holy table in our churches] is …but a stone by nature; but become holy because it receives Christ’s Body: but that altar [referring to people] is holy because it is itself Christ’s Body…[which] you may see lying everywhere, in the alleys and in the market places, and you may sacrifice upon it anytime…When then you see a poor person, believe that you are beholding an altar. When you see this one as a beggar, do not only refrain from insulting him, but actually give him honor, and if you witness someone else insulting him, stop him; prevent it.” So, after the Divine Liturgy, we have many opportunities to commune with Christ in our interactions with the poor and suffering, and whomever God brings our way. Recently, during the Divine Liturgy, I’ve been looking at the prayers and hymns in a new light. Here are three phrases that relate not just to our worship in Church, but also to the Liturgy that happens the other 166 hours of the week.
So, what do you think? What other sections of the Divine Liturgy remind you and prepare you for encountering Christ after the dismissal? We’d love to hear from you.
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