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Worship in the Early Church

Dive into the worship practices of the Early Church, from the Last Supper to the development of Christian liturgy and Eucharist theology. Discover the main elements of synagogue worship, the significance of the Last Supper, and the theological depth of the Eucharist. Explore key texts like the Didache and Justin's Apology to gain deeper insights into early Christian worship traditions.

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Worship in the Early Church

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  1. Worship in the Early Church • Worship in synagogue: main elements. • The Last Supper. • Early Christian liturgy: two parts. • Theology of the Eucharist. • Seminar. Worship in Didache & Justin’s 1 Apology.

  2. Worship in synagogue: main elements Prayers/ Hymns Readings from the Law and the Prophets Homily/ interpretation Synagogue at Masada fortress. Built by Herod the Great 37 BC- 4AD. Rebuilt by the Zealots after 73 AD.

  3. The Last Supper • Traditional Jewish elements: • Jewish meal (acc. to synoptics-- Passover seder) • blessing of bread & wine (thanksgiving) • New elements introduced by Jesus: • ‘words of institution’ • sharing in one cup Catacomb of Callistus, Rome. Early third c.

  4. The Last Supper: main aspects • Objects: bread, wine, table. • Actions: taking, blessing, breaking bread & wine and distributing them. • Words of institution: • “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Lk 22:15) • “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is shed for you.” (Lk 22:20) Jesus reclining at the last supper

  5. Early Christian Liturgy • Christian liturgy (mass) is a combination of synangogal worship & Last Supper • Two main parts: • Liturgy of the catechumens (or: liturgy of the Word) • Liturgy of the faithful (or: Eucharist proper)

  6. Theology of the Eucharist • Imitation & memorial of the Last Supper. • Foretaste of the messianic banquet. • Proclamation & commemoration of the cross/ resurrection. • Real presence—encounter with Christ. • Means of theosis (participation in the life of God). • Sacrifice.

  7. Agape meal or Eucharist (or both)?Catacomb of Priscilla.

  8. Catacombs of Callistus. Gallery

  9. Typical ‘loculus’ (rectangular tomb)

  10. Seminar. Didache. • Written (most probably) in 2nd c. AD • Author & place: unknown • Manual for lay teachers/ clergy • Teaching about Two ways • Rules for Baptism, Eucharist, fast. • True/ false prophets

  11. Praying Woman. Catacomb of Priscilla. Rome, 3rd c.

  12. Burial chamber

  13. Seminar. Justin Martyr (100-165) • Prominent lay teacher and Christian philosopher • Had his own catechetical school in Rome • Wrote two apologies and The Dialogue with Trypho the Jew • Was beheaded in Rome under Marcus Aurelius

  14. Communion as a mystical encounter with Christ: first Christ’s Body; then His Blood.

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