The Divine Liturgy of Saint James: An Experience of First Century Christianity

The faithful of Perth were once again blessed with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the most ancient form of the Divine Liturgy from the first century, written by Saint James the brother of our Lord and the first bishop of Jerusalem.

On Saturday the 23rd of October, with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Divine Liturgy of Saint James was celebrated at the Church of Saint Nektarios, officiated by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea and assisted by the clergy of Western Australia. The service was very well attended by the faithful from all over Perth.

During the sermon, His Grace outlined the characteristics of the Liturgy of Saint James and reminded all that the basic core essence of all Liturgies is the consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ and the communing of the faithful.

The Liturgy of Saint James is celebrated twice a year: on the 23rd of October, which is the feast day of the saint, as well as on the first Sunday after Christmas.

The Liturgy of Saint James gave everyone the opportunity to see how the faithful in the early church worshipped God and how the present Divine Liturgies of Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil the Great evolved.