The Divine Liturgy of St. James
Fr. Simon Thomas, Friday, October 15, 2004

Greetings in the Name of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ!

How many Liturgies do you think there are in the Orthodox Church? 1? 2? 3? 50?

Actually, there are 4 Liturgies celebrated during the calendar year:

1. The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (celebrated on most Sundays and weekdays)

2. The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (celebrated 10 times a year - January 1st [St. Basil`s Feastday], Epiphany, Christmas, the 5 Sundays of Great Lent, Holy Thursday Morning, & Holy Saturday Morning)

3. The Pre-Sanctified Liturgy (celebrated on Weekdays during Great Lent, usually on Wednesdays)

and the fourth...

4. The Divine Liturgy of St. James, the Brother of the Lord.

This Divine Liturgy is celebrated once, or at most, twice a year - 1) October 23rd, the Feastday of St. James, & 2) the Sunday after Christmas, when St. Joseph the Betrothed and his family are commemorated (St. James, according to tradition, is the son of St. Joseph by his previous wife.)

Most of us are familiar with the first three Liturgies, since we have more of an opportunity to celebrate these Liturgies, and their structures are fairly similar. However, the Liturgy of St. James is completely unique in structure.

I encourage you to join us at St. Paul`s on Saturday morning, October 23rd at 10 am for the Divine Liturgy of St. James to share in the celebration of this unique and meaningful Liturgy. Come, let us worship the Lord together!

In Christ`s Love,
Fr. Simon Thomas