The Liturgy of St. James (JAS) is often celebrated as an ancient liturgy, understood to be more ancient than the Liturgy of St. Basil or the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. It is even seen as the mother text of all liturgies. How JAS is celebrated today is often colored by the above presuppositions. The object of this seminar is to examine the accuracy of these claims by placing JAS in its proper milieu, the liturgical tradition of Jerusalem. We will look into the historical context, textual and manuscript traditions, anaphoral structures, theological articulations, and modern liturgical celebrations of JAS. These considerations will allow the participants to become familiar with JAS and to place JAS in its proper liturgical and historical context.

Language prerequisite: One year (two semesters) of biblical Greek or the equivalent.

This is a two-day seminar. It will meet on Thursday, November 16, 2017, from 12:00–2:00 pm and again on Friday, November 17, 2017, from 12:00–2:00 pm. Students are expected to attend both meetings.

Seating is limited to 12 students. The seminar is open to Hellenic College juniors and seniors in the Religious Studies program and Holy Cross students. All participants must meet the language requirement. Registration is required. A group of pre-assigned readings will be circulated at least one week prior to the workshop. Participants are expected to complete the readings before the workshop.