Abstract
Hugh Wybrew, The Orthodox Liturgy: The Development of the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite, SPCK: London, 2013; 208 pp.: 9780281070985, £14.99 (pbk)
A Western Christian, who experiences an Orthodox Liturgy for the first time, might form an unclear or misleading view of it. This happened in many instances across history ever since the Christian unity of the East and the West became shattered. Thus, the main reason why this book is a valuable resource for Western Christians has to do with the fact that it identifies, presents and explains accurately the principal aspects of the Eucharistic service as it takes place in Orthodoxy. We aren’t confronted when reading this book with a very schematic presentation, which lacks the description of the spiritual depth of this profound liturgical act, but at the same time we can’t but praise the employment of the good instruments of a true academic vision, namely, clarity, clear analysis of the sources or critical views where needed. What we observe right from the beginning is a magnificent synthesis in which the meaning of the Orthodox Liturgy can be grasped slowly, allowing us time to meditate on certain aspects, not to be overburdened with information, although there is plenty of it. Although the research undertaken by Hugh Wybrew is grounded in a thorough analysis of important studies and books, however, the most important thing offered by him is the actual observance of the rite and the explanation of why everything in it has a certain place. The reader can benefit not only from a very good description of the history of the Orthodox Liturgy and its development but also from a quite accurate view of what is the actual symbolism of Orthodox Liturgy and the importance of icons in the liturgical act. The academic approach is complemented by a very good description that refrains from ignorant criticism and from praising without reason. The ‘objective’ view is not at all a cold one, but its warmth does not transform it into a simple meditation based on impressions. Thus, the academic research, the summary and the explanations given, as well as the thorough and substantiated presentation, are all combined in an important piece of writing which is also studded with significant images that help the reader follow the development of the role of the church building and its importance during the celebration of the Eucharist in Eastern Christianity. This is an aspect that has been underlined rarely in the research dedicated to Orthodox Liturgy even in the East, and readers have the opportunity to gain a clear understanding of its meaning. Added to this the sobriety of style and the author’s explanations of aspects of Orthodox Liturgy that are less known to Western Christians, such as the importance of icons, then this is a significant guide for the interpretation and the history of the Eucharist in Orthodoxy.