Feb 102015

“We are delighted to welcome the appearance of this English language booklet containing a number of important texts documenting the work of the Patriarchal Liturgical Commission over the last half-century in reforming and animating the liturgy. Appearing for the first time in English are two Patriarchal Decrees: our edict dated 15 February, 2005, finalising the process of these liturgical reforms after the publication of the liturgical books, and one issued in 1991 by my predecessor of blessed memory, Maximos V, validating the work of the Patriarchal Liturgical Commission and encouraging unity around the proposed liturgical reforms. There follows our essay on the Renewal of the Liturgy of St John Chrysostom, describing the pioneering work of the Patriarchal Liturgical Commission, together with an English language text of antiphons composed by the commission, suitable for use in our Melkite Church.” Patriarch Gregorios III