1st Edition

The Baptismal Liturgy of Jerusalem Fourth- and Fifth-Century Evidence from Palestine, Syria and Egypt

By Juliette Day Copyright 2007
    168 Pages
    by Routledge

    166 Pages
    by Routledge

    Was Jerusalem, under her bishop Cyril, the source of liturgical innovations in the fourth century or was she simply following trends which also affected the liturgy of neighbouring provinces? In assessing these two established propositions in relation to baptism, Juliette Day undertakes a careful comparative analysis of all the relevant sources for Palestine, Egypt and Syria, paying attention to the structure, content and theological narrative of the rites which they describe. The Mystagogical Catecheses, commonly attributed to Cyril of Jerusalem, are the key source in this discussion and this book demonstrates that they date from the episcopate of his successor John.

    Contents: Preface; Comparing liturgies; The Palestinian sources; Syria and Egypt; The pre-immersion rituals; The immersion; The post-immersion rituals; Conclusion; Appendix; Bibliography; Index.

    Biography

    Dr Juliette Day formerly Director of Open Learning Theology and lectures in Liturgical Studies and Patristics at the University of Wales - Lampeter, UK. Her particular research and publishing interests are in catechesis and initiation in the Eastern churches of the fourth and fifty centuries, and she has recently published a study of the Mystagogical homily by Proclus, fifth-century bishop of Constantinople.

    ’... Day's excellent book should provide a new beginning for further detailed studies in the sources of Jerusalem liturgy. For this and for a great introduction to the relevant sources I recommend it highly.’ Worship ’... a brilliant little book... Ashgate has again put us in its debt by introducing historical liturgical debate to a wider audience - and in such a well-presented format.’ Praxis News of Worship ’Day has tackled a difficult subject with great courage and skill... she gives us a useful summary of past research, many new and a way forward for potentially most fruitful further work.’ Anaphora ’Day's hypothesis is clear and well-researched, and her book essential reading for all those interested in the early history of the rites of Christian initiation.’ Ecclesiastical History 'All in all, Day's monograph contains a great wealth of valuable information and convincingly questions a large number of commonly held assumptions.' Bijdragen