Mystagogical Catecheses

Содержание Abstract (Azbuka very): First Mystagogical Catechesis Second Mystagogical Catechesis Third Mystagogical Catechesis Fourth Mystagogical Catechesis Fifth Mystagogical Instruction Abstract (Azbuka very): The Mystagogical Catecheses is a cycle of five homilies delivered during Bright Week (in 348 or 350–351 AD). St. Cyril of Jerusalem explains to the newly illumined the essence and rites of the Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist, which they had received on Pascha. In the 1st Homily , the preliminary rites preceding the Sacrament of Baptism are examined: the renunciation of Satan and the union with Christ. The 2nd Homily explores the mystical meaning and grace-filled power of the actions performed during Baptism itself, understood as a participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ, through which we attain salvation. In Baptism, all that truly happened to the Savior happens to us as well–yet painlessly, without suffering. By destroying the power of death through His own death and Resurrection, Christ delivered humanity from the bondage of death. Through Baptism, partaking in Christ’s sufferings, we partake in this victory. The 3rd Homily explains the actions and their significance in the Sacrament of Chrismation. St. Cyril emphasizes the connection between the words "to anoint" and "Christian." To be a Christian means to be an "anointed one" , sharing in the anointing of the Old Testament kings, priests, and ultimately Christ Himself. The final two homilies are devoted to the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The 4th Homily discusses the essence of the Sacrament, its material elements, and its mystical action. St. Cyril assures his listeners that the bread and wine in the Eucharist are truly changed into the Body and Blood of the Lord, though their appearance remains unchanged. He highlights the distinction between perceiving the Holy Mysteries with bodily senses and the living faith of the human soul: «Do not judge the matter by taste, but let faith assure you beyond doubt that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.» The 5th Homily outlines the order of the Liturgy of the Faithful and the Eucharistic Canon. These last two catecheses hold particular importance, as they testify to St. Cyril’s account of the liturgical practice of the mid-4th century and the unwavering faith of the Early Church in the transformation of the Holy Gifts. Additionally, the 5th Homily contains a significant commentary on the Lord’s Prayer. Of special interest is the interpretation of the petition for "daily bread." In Greek, the word for "daily" ( ἐπιούσιος ) literally means "supersubstantial" or "above essence." St. Cyril asserts that this bread, «which has an effect upon the essence of the soul,» is none other than the Eucharist. Catechetical Lectures → Contents: First Mystagogical Catechesis [To the newly illumined, on the words from the First Catholic Epistle of Peter, beginning at: «Be sober, be vigilant» ( 1Pet.5:8 ), through the end of the epistle.] Second Mystagogical Catechesis [On Baptism. Concerning the words of the Apostle from the Epistle to the Romans, beginning at: «Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?» up to: «You are not under law but under grace» ( Rom.6:3–14 ).] Third Mystagogical Catechesis [On Chrismation. Concerning the words from the First Catholic Epistle of John, beginning at: «You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things» (cf. 1Jn.2:20 ) – to: «that we may not be ashamed before Him at His coming» ( 1Jn.2:28 ).] Fourth Mystagogical Catechesis [On the Body and Blood of Christ. Concerning the words from Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians: «For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you...» etc. ( 1Cor.11:23 ).] Fifth Mystagogical Instruction [From Peter’s Catholic Epistle: Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy… ( 1Pet.2:1 ).]