The adaptation of liturgical texts to the context of Western modernity

This article examines the question of adapting Orthodox liturgical texts to the context of Western modernity. Olga Lossky-Laham develops a theological and practical reflection on the principles that should guide this work of adaptation, exploring the tensions between fidelity to tradition and intelligibility for contemporary faithful. The central idea is that liturgical adaptation cannot be reduced to mere linguistic translation, but involves an in-depth reflection on the transmission of theological meaning within a cultural environment foreign to its Byzantine origins. The contribution of this article lies in the formulation of criteria allowing for the articulation of respect for the Orthodox liturgical heritage and the pastoral needs specific to Western communities, thus contributing to the broader debate on the inculturation of Orthodoxy in the West.