Mystical Supper

One of the very important aspects of our Byzantine Liturgy is that we very clearly specify the anamnesis and the epiclesis. It is very evident by the way that I have chosen to serve the Liturgy since I take both out loud. Liturgically and theologically there is a very important connection to be made between the two: the remembrance of the source event is made possible by the action of the Holy Spirit.

The anamnesis makes quite clear what exactly we remember, albeit it also stretches our thinking because it includes that in which we place our hope. The anamnesis text is as follows

Remembering therefore this salutary command and all that was done in our behalf: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, the second and glorious coming again, we offer to You, Yours of Your own, in behalf of all and for all.

So how do we understand what is contained in this statement? What is the command? Do this in memory of me! Jesus asked His disciples, and therefore any of His followers, to repeat what He did when He was on earth. The answer to this question is multidimensional. It is contained not only in this portion of the anamnesis but also in the ending, which states that we PRAISE, BLESS, THANK and PRAY to God. Jesus repeatedly did this. His prayer to the Father was constantly on His lips. One of the very important aspects of what Jesus taught us was that we must be, indeed, THANKFUL to God for the gift of life.

Further, the anamnesis states that we must remember what Jesus did in order to offer praise, blessings, and thanksgiving to God, namely His death, burial, resurrection and also His ascension into heaven. Further, we believe that He is now sitting at the right hand of God, there preparing a place for us.

The last think that is mentioned that Jesus is doing is the “second and glorious coming again”. Many don’t quite understand this. How can we thank Him for something that, in our history, has not occurred yet? This phrase reminds us that what we do is beyond our earthly time. It also reminds us that anytime people truly embrace the WAY of Jesus, He comes into the world again.

More to come!