A textual-critical study and interpretation of the liturgical response «Ἔλεον εἰρήνης, θυσίαν αἰνέσεως»

Abstract

This paper explores the hermeneutical background of the of the response to the final diaconal acclamation prior to the initiatory dialogue of the Eucharistic anaphora currently used in both Eucharistic formularies of the Orthodox Church, those of St Basil and St John Chrysosotom. Specifically, this study examines the response, «Ἔλεον εἰρήνης, θυσίαν αἰνέσεως», to diaconal command, «Στῶμεν καλῶς· στῶμεν μετὰ φόβου· πρόσχωμεν τὴν ἁγίαν ἀναφορὰν ἐν εἰρήνῃ προσφέρειν». After presenting the historical data and variants of the above response (as found in patristic quotes, liturgical commentaries, manuscript variants, ancient Latin translations and other Eucharistic formularies such as the Hagiopolite Liturgy of St James), this study provides an outline of the way in which contemporary experts in the field of liturgiology have understood this phrase. To follow, this paper explores the syntactical structure of the response in relation to the preceding acclamation. Particular analysis will be made of the grammatical and syntactical use of the present, active, infinitive «προσφέρειν». Finally, this paper demonstrates that the response in its current form offers a specific biblical hermeneutical understanding of the Eucharistic oblation (anaphora) in relation to the Old Testamental cultic worship.