Elements of a Contemporary Liturgical Debate:

In current discussions on liturgical renewal and reform within the Orthodox Church, a significant number of scholars and practitioners strongly advocate for the audible recitation of priestly prayers during the Divine Liturgy. This marks a departure from the long-standing practice observed in Greece until the mid to late 20th century. Traditionally, it was customary to recite these ‘mystikai euchai’ in a manner inaudible to the congregation. Throughout the 20th century, however, perspectives regarding this practice gradually evolved. By the mid-20th century, the debate peaked, with proponents arguing for either the audible or the silent recitation of these prayers. This culminated in the 1956 decision by the Synod of the Church of Greece, favoring the older practice in order to counteract the alternative trend. This paper aims to dissect this debate, focusing specifically on the divergent viewpoints of Panagiotis Trembelas and Eulogios Kourilas Lauriotes. By examining the perspectives of these influential figures, this paper seeks to explore the nuanced layers of this theological discussion, providing valuable insights for contemporary reflection within Orthodox liturgical theology and practice.