Anamnesis (liturgy)

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The Christian liturgy designated medical history (from ancient Greek ἀνάμνησις , anamnesis , "memory") the solemn memorial of the death and resurrection and the entire saving act of Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist .

history

In the traditional liturgy of the Eucharist, the anamnesis comes after the words of institution and before the epiclesis and expresses the thought Do this in memory of me . The formula of the anamnesis has already been handed down in the oldest completely preserved Eucharistic prayer, Traditio Apostolica ascribed to the Hippolytus of Rome (died around 235) . Here the remembrance of Christ's saving work is combined with the offering of the Eucharistic elements by the priest. Already in the Gospel of Luke ( Lk 22.19  EU ) and in the first letter to the Corinthians ( 1 Cor 11.24-25  EU ) we read the call of Jesus to break the bread as his body, in his memory ( This is my body for you guys. Do this in memory of me! )

Roman Catholic liturgy

In the Roman Catholic Church, the anamnesis is part of the prayer . There are different formulations. Example of anamnesis prayer:

“Therefore, dear Father, let us celebrate the memory of the death and resurrection of your Son and thus offer you the bread of life and the cup of salvation. We thank you that you have called us to stand before you and to serve you . We ask you: give us a share in Christ's body and blood, and let us become one through the Holy Spirit. "

Anglican liturgy

The various forms of the Book of Common Prayer in the various churches of the Anglican Communion also know the anamnesis that comes between the words of institution and epiclesis . In many, but not in all, the elements of bread and wine or the "gifts" (which means the elements) are explicitly mentioned.

Orthodox liturgy

Even in the Orthodox , the anamnesis follows the words of institution. A special feature is that they turn to Christ . The anamnesis prayers can be divided into three phases:

  1. Transition from the deployment report
  2. List of the mysteries of Christ
  3. Prayer of sacrifice

Lutheran liturgy

The reformers criticized the prayer that text formulations, such as the renewed offering of sacrifices, turned God's benefit to us into a work of man for God. The liturgical reform by Martin Luther removed those elements from the anamnesis that, in his opinion, diminish Christ's work of salvation. Revised texts of the anamnesis have found their way back into the mass liturgy of the Lutheran Church, especially through the Evangelical Lutheran Churches acting as the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church . Example of an anamnesis prayer:

“So we remember your Son before you, Lord Heavenly Father. He died on the cross and rose on the third day. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, and he represents us at all times before you. Remember, Lord, your Church here and everywhere. Give her unity and peace. Bring together those you have chosen from the ends of the earth to a holy people. Complete your kingdom forever and gather us for the heavenly supper of your son. Through him and with him and in him be to you, God almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all glory and honor now and for ever. Amen."

Ecumenism

In the Lima Liturgy of the World Council of Churches , the anamnesis reads:

“Priest: Therefore, O Lord, let us celebrate today the memory of our redemption: the birth and life of your Son among us, his baptism by John, his last supper with the apostles, his death and descent into the kingdom of the dead. We proclaim Christ's glorious resurrection and ascension into heaven, where he intervenes for all people as our great high priest, and we await his glorious return. United in Christ's priesthood, we bring this memory to you: Remember the sacrifice of your Son and grant all people the blessing of his work of redemption.
Church: Maranatha, the Lord is coming! "

literature

  • André Tarby: La prière eucharistique de l'église de Jérusalem . Beauchesne, Paris 1972;
  • Anton Baumstark: Liturgy comparée. Principes et méthodes pour l'étude historique des liturgies chretiennes . Ed. revue par Dom B. Botte Chevetogne 1953.

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