Byzantine Christian Sacraments

An overview of the history, theology and current practice of the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of the Byzantine Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, with a view to examining and assessing their centrality in contemporary Christian life and ministry. In this course, the student will examine themes such as the world's sacramentality, the cosmic and personal transformation enacted in the Byzantine Christian Mysteries, and the Trinitarian foundation of all sacramental life. S/he will be able to list and identify many of the sacramental rites and texts and discuss and assess the works of several key Eastern Christian authors, both classical and modem. The student will be able to describe the evolution of these rites, and debate their possible reform today; and will be able to apply the theological vision emanating from these rites to contemporary situations.