The Anaphora Prayer - Fr. Gregory - March 16, 2025

On this Sunday and all Sundays of Lent, we celebrate the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great rather than the more common liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. Fr. Gregory explains that the beginning of the liturgies are the same, but after the Gospel and homily, the biggest difference between them is the anaphora prayer. The anaphora prayer in the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is both a teaching and meditation which summarizes the whole Christian story of fall and redemption.Fr. Gregory recites this prayer, showing how it calls us to remember our creation in the image of God, our salvation through Christ’s death and resurrection, and our future hope in the fullness of God’s kingdom. Finally, Fr. Gregory encourages us to pay attention to the prayers of the liturgy such as this one, with hearts full of gratitude, meditating on the incredible love and grace that God has shown us.