André Scrima

This article by Father André Scrima constitutes an in-depth study of the liturgical spirituality of the Eastern Orthodox Church, articulated around the notion of "time of mystery." The author analyzes the structure of the Byzantine ordo — daily, weekly, and annual cycles, great theophanic feasts, the itinerary of the paschal Triodion — to show how liturgical time exceeds mere commemoration and operates an active sanctification of creation. The article also examines the hierurgical dimension of the liturgy, its role as a theological source grounded in contemplation rather than scholastic speculation, and its ecclesiological function as a living criterion of Tradition. The principal contribution lies in the demonstration that Byzantine liturgy constitutes the unifying principle of Orthodox anthropology, cosmology, and eschatology, thereby offering a model of spiritual coherence capable of challenging the whole of Christendom.

This article presents the first part of a previously unpublished study by Father André Scrima, a Romanian theologian and monk, devoted to the liturgical spirituality of the Eastern Church. The approach is both theological and spiritual, combining analytical rigor with contemplative depth. The study examines the Eastern liturgy as a living movement, identifying the internal structures that underpin its distinctive character and its central role in the life of the Church. The main contribution lies in a synthetic reading of the Eastern liturgical tradition, articulating its doctrinal, symbolic, and ascetic dimensions. By making a previously unpublished work accessible, this article enriches knowledge of Scrima's thought and contributes to contemporary reflection on Orthodox liturgical theology. An introduction by Anca Manolescu situates the intellectual and spiritual context in which this reflection was developed.