We have manuscript evidence of a fourth century Liturgy of St. James, the oldest liturgy still in use among Eastern Orthodox churches. In 1054, there was a major schism separating the Eastern Orthodox Church from the Roman Catholic Church. Let’s just say it’s a long story involving major theological and political differences. Eastern church tradition contends there are elements of St. James Liturgy that originates with James, the brother of Jesus and the disciple who wrote the epistle that bears his name.
Worship on any given Sunday in fourth century churches would have included elements of this two-part liturgy. The first part contained various Scripture readings, that was followed by a sermon. Catechumens were present, who were disciples in training. Their apprenticeship could last up to three years, culminating in their baptism and entrance into membership with a local body of believers. After the sermon, the presiding Deacon excused the catechumens for the second half of the liturgy. Committed believers engaged in intercessory prayer and exchanged the kiss of peace. Any discord among believers was addressed before the community observed the Lord’s Supper. Hmmm. I’m all for restoring this practice in our day. Communion served as the culminating act of worship. Elements of bread and wine were ceremoniously carried into the sanctuary, to the accompanied singing of the hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.” The liturgy was unhurried, taking two or more hours but then, the stakes were high. Emperor Diocletian was on a rampage to extinguish this growing religious movement.
A prayer from this early church liturgy leads us in praise and confession: