The conference aims at exploring the link between the readings of the Gospels during liturgical services and the calendars they are included in. First focused on liturgical calendars and prescriptions in Greek manuscripts (Tetraevangelia, Lectionaries, Typica,…) reflecting different rites (Hagiopolite Liturgy, Constantinopolitan Liturgy, transitional forms…), the conference gives the opportunity to enter into dialogue with specialists in other traditions from Christian East and West (Arabic, Armenian, Ethiopian, Latin, Old Slavonic, Syriac,…). This dialogue will enable to sketch, confirm, modify or precise main tendencies in the evolution of the pericope system and the liturgical calendars (Byzantinization / Constantinopolization,…), around what can be called the core or the crown of the Liturgy of the Word.
One main line is the constitution and the evolution of the calendars, of the different cycles (fixed and movable) and of the commemorations (through integration, replacement and disappearance of feasts). Were the Gospel readings themselves adapted to these changes, to new uses and practices? What were the criteria for the delimitation of the pericopes? What theological views and interpretations does the selection of these readings show, in relation to the feasts or the cycles they are associated with?
The other main line deals with the presentation and transmission of the pericope systems. How were the manuscript sources used to define and to find the Gospel readings, or to design new calendars and manuscripts? How do calendars, apparatuses and dividing systems work together? What other material (iconography, notes, instructions,…) accompanies the pericopes? Are there similarities in different rites and languages?
Links with hagiography, homiletics and hymnology are very welcome. The contributors can speak in English, German, French or Italian. The format is hybrid, but speakers are warmly invited to contribute in presence. The contributions should last between 20 and 30 minutes.
The conference takes place in the frame of my current postdoctoral research project “Evangelium und Liturgie in der byzantinischen Kirche. Das liturgische Kirchenjahr in griechischen Tetraevangelien”, funded since October 2021 by the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung and settled at the University of Munich (Ev.-theol. Fakultät, Lehrstuhl für Kirchengeschichte I / Ältere und weltweite Christentumsgeschichte, Prof. Martin Wallraff). The proceedings will be published as soon as possible after the conference, as the project ends at the latest in September 2024.
The conference is organized in collaboration with the Lehrstuhl für Liturgiewissenschaft (Prof. Harald Buchinger) from the University of Regensburg, Fakultät für Katholische Theologie, with the help of Simone Oelke and under the scientific supervision of Elena Velkovska.
If you want to participate, please submit a title and an abstract until May 31 at m.geiger@lmu.de.
The answer will be given not later than the beginning of July.