Why Is the Divine Liturgy So Different?

Icons, singing, holy doors, and wow, so many more differences between the Novus Ordo Mass and the Liturgies of Saint Basil and John Chrysostom. But why? Let’s find out with this lesson on the Divine Liturgy. I’m your host, Shalone Cason, and let’s begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

One mystery, many forms

the mystery celebrated in the liturgy is one, but the forms of its celebration are diverse.

— Catechism 1200

Byzantine Catholics call it the Divine Liturgy, and Roman Catholics call it the Mass. It is the same Eucharist, the same Paschal mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. What differs is the form: the prayers, the music, the actions and the setting. The differences are real, but they are differences of expression, not of faith. Different regions and cultures came to celebrate the one mystery in their own way.

Prayers rooted in Antioch

The Byzantine use in both its Liturgies (of St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom) follows exactly the order of Antioch.

— Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”

Tradition ascribes the two Byzantine liturgies to Saint Basil the Great and Saint John Chrysostom, bishops of the fourth century. Both follow the order of Antioch, the city where the disciples were first called Christians. So the Divine Liturgy is not a recent invention. It is an ancient family of prayers, shaped over the centuries by the Church of Constantinople.

Heaven on earth

Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing to the Life-giving Trinity the thrice holy hymn, put away all earthly cares so as to receive the King of all things

— Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”

While the hymn is sung, the bread and wine are carried in procession around the church and into the sanctuary through the royal doors. The people join the angels in praising the Trinity. The Encyclopedia says this hymn was apparently added to the Liturgy in the sixth century. It shows how the Byzantine Liturgy sees worship: earth joining heaven’s song.

A Liturgy that is sung

The singing in the Byzantine Rite is always unaccompanied.

— Catholic Encyclopedia, “The Rite of Constantinople”

That was written in 1908, and it describes the tradition: the voice itself is the instrument. The priest and deacon sing, and the choir and people answer. Litanies, hymns and responses are sung rather than said, so the whole Liturgy becomes one long prayer. This is the biggest difference a visitor notices. The Liturgy is not just attended; it is sung together.

Different, but equal

Holy Mother Church holds all lawfully recognized rites to be of equal right and dignity

— Catechism 1203

The Church counts the Byzantine rite among its living rites, beside the Latin, Alexandrian, Syriac, Armenian, Maronite and Chaldean. It is not a concession or an exception. The Catechism also sets the limit on variety: diversity must not damage unity. Every rite must express the same faith, the same sacramental signs from Christ, and communion with the bishops. So the Divine Liturgy is different, and fully Catholic.

So, why is the Divine Liturgy different in a nutshell? We all have the same Eucharist, but it can be celebrated in different ways. The Divine Liturgy originates in Antioch and in Greek-speaking communities, and that is why it is always sung unaccompanied by instruments, among other differences; although it differs, it is equal to all other approved forms of Eucharistic celebration. Because every liturgical rite expresses the same Faith in Christ. Thanks for learning with us. I’ve been your host, Shalone, and until next time, stay holy, my friends.

Image credits

• St. Basil the Great PRIZREN 2 IMG 4905-2, BLAGO Fund, Inc. (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0)
• Johnchrysostom, Unknown (Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)

Sources

• Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1200–1206
• Catholic Encyclopedia (1908): The Rite of Constantinople

Written and narrated by Shalone Cason, who chose the topic, selected the points, and reviewed every line. Researched and drafted with AI assistance (Claude) from the sources above. Every quotation is checked word for word against its source.