In the Worship & You study we are moving into the largest section—you might even say the heart—of the study: focusing on the Divine Liturgy. There are many good resources on the Divine Liturgy, but I’d like to mention just a few that might be of particular interest or use; some are more technical, while others are more devotional, but they are all worth reading.

I want to particularly point out two writings from Orthodox saints on the Divine Liturgy:

On the Divine Liturgy by St. Germanus of Constantinople. Writing in the 8th century, St. Germanus particularly emphasizes the heavenly nature of the Divine Liturgy.

A Commentary on the Divine Liturgy by St. Nicholas Cabasilas. Writing in the 14th century, St. Nicholas focuses on the Liturgy as a participation in Christ’s redemptive work.

Two very accessible overviews of the Divine Liturgy are:

The Heavenly Banquet: Understanding the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Emmanuel Hatzidakis. A line-by-line textbook on the Divine Liturgy.

Let Us Attend: A Journey Through the Orthodox Liturgy by Fr. Lawrence Farley. A good devotional guide to the Divine Liturgy.

For the Life of the World: Sacraments and Orthodoxy by Fr. Alexander Schmemann. Fr. Alexander’s book looks at the Holy Mysteries, and the sacramental life and worldview that develops from participating in them.

Some more technical works:

Introduction to Liturgical Theology by Fr. Alexander Schmemann. A look at liturgical development, and its impact on theology.

The Orthodox Liturgy: The Development of the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite by Hugh Wybrew. A look at the historical development of the Liturgy.

There are many other works I could recommend (and am using in preparing this study), but these are a good starting point for studying the Divine Liturgy from numerous perspectives.