Stefaan wrote:
>The rule is correct and forms an ancient liturgical-theological rule which
>states that there can be in a church only one altar on which only one Mass
>can be celebrated, and by one priest. Archaeological evidences show us that
>the old basilicas and other ancient christian churches had only one altar.
>First point. Second one: only one Mass at that unique altar and that for
>several theological and symbolical reasons (uniqueness of Christ's
>sacrifice, uniqueness of the priesthood, the christian community forming one
>body, etc.). And also only one priest as "sacramental actor", since in the
>ancient times sacramental concelebration did not exist (only a few
>exceptions, for example during the ordination Mass in Rome), only
>"liturgical" or "congregational" concelebration did exist (the presence of
>several bishops, priests, deacons, etc during a Mass, but only one bishop
>pronounce the anaphora or canon) [a French study was published a few years
>ago about that topic by the French publishing house DDM]. These practises
were observed in East and West.
Stefaan
You are quite correct about the historical authenticity of
the interdiction. What you have voiced is precisely the current
Orthodox understanding of the issue. A point of interest tangential
to this thread is that, as I understand the current policies of the
local Greek Church and its Synod of Bishops ( as opposed... if that
is not too misleading a term... to the practices of the Slavic, or
other Mediterranean Orthodox churches) have been, or are about to be
altered on this issue, thereby permitting two Eucharistic Liturgies
to be celebrated on the same altar, ( and I believe, by the SAME
celebrant) within one day. I recall the issue being "announced" in
the Newsletter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate approximately six or
seven months ago. I will try to locate the article and post any
appropriate material.
Josef gulka
Josef Gulka
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215- 732-8420
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