Angelo Natalie

Raised on Rock, Rigatoni, Roman Catholicism...
(and from the dead).

Monday, June 01, 2009

Justin's letter to the emperor.

Justin Martyr wrote a letter to pagan emperor Antoninus Pius defending the faith. His description of 2nd century Christian worship sounds wonderfully familiar. His feast day is today. (2009 June 1)


"On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place. The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits. When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate those beautiful things. Then we all rise together and offer prayers for ourselves... and for all others, wherever they may be... Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren. He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: Amen. When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the eucharisted bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent."

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