The Early History of the Syriac Liturgy

Growth, Adaptation and Inculturation

by Baby Varghese

Book cover: The Early History of the Syriac Liturgy

Extent: 160 pages

Publisher: Harrassowitz Verlag

Subjects: Religious Studies

Series: Göttinger Orientforschungen, I. Reihe: Syriaca

Series volume number: 62

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(November 2021)

ISBN: 9783447117463

Price: $68.00

In stock

The present study is an overview of the general development of the Syriac liturgical traditions until the end of the 13th century. It traces some of the aspects of the encounter between Syriac Christianity and its surrounding cultural milieu. Literary genres and styles from the Early Jewish, Mesopotamian, Syro-Hellenistic and Arabic cultures were adapted in a process of encounter and inculturation. Along with Judaism, Mesopotamian pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures provided poetry, music and kinetic arts (gestures, movements and processions). The demonstrative piety of Antioch and Edessa has left traces of influence on the early Syriac liturgy. A few pagan and agrarian festivals were adapted, giving a Christian meaning. Throughout its history, Syriac liturgy is characterized by adaptability which is particularly evident in the history of the East Syriac Church in Central Asia and China where the liturgy was adapted to the culture of the nomadic tribes, introducing some unique para-liturgical practices.

  • By (author) Baby Varghese

The Early History of the Syriac Liturgy: Growth, Adaptation and Inculturation. By Baby Varghese. Gottinger Orientforschungen, I. Reihe: Syriaca 62. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2021. "Varghese demonstrates throughout this book his impressive grasp of liturgical topics dealing with the early, West, and East Syriac traditions. His detailed knowledge of diverse aspects of the field of Syriac liturgy is on display here, as he pulls these strands together into a whole that elucidates how Syriac Christianity has developed in the context of its interactions with surrounding cultures. The book will surely serve as a useful resource for students and scholars who seek to delve into the diverse traditions of Syriac liturgy." - Alex C. J. Neroth van Vogelpoel, Independent Scholar, Church History (Volume 93, Issue 3, September 2024)