Typica
Encyclopedia
The term Typica may be used among Orthodox Christians
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
is not celebrated.
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
functions independently within his “See
”. In the early Church
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
of St John Chrysostom
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
(first bishop of Jerusalem
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
and Russian
practices.
The term Typica may be used among Orthodox Christians
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
is not celebrated.
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
functions independently within his “See
”. In the early Church
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
of St John Chrysostom
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
(first bishop of Jerusalem
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
and Russian
practices.
The term Typica may be used among Orthodox Christians
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
is not celebrated.
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
functions independently within his “See
”. In the early Church
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
of St John Chrysostom
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
(first bishop of Jerusalem
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
and Russian
practices.
of the medieval
Roman Catholic Church
. This may be either because, (a) the Typicon does not permit the celebration of the Liturgy (as occurs on weekdays during Great Lent
),During the lesser Fasts also, on weekdays on which there is only a simple commemoration in the Menaion, the Typica may be served instead of Liturgy, at the discretion of the Pastor. or (b) the priest for any reason is disqualified from celebrating the Liturgy.This disqualification may occur for any number of reasons: an emergency beyond his control may have prevented him from preparing according to the Rule for Holy Communion, he may have suffered an injury which would not permit him to enter the Sanctuary, etc. The Typica is rarely read in Greek churches (aside from Monasteries), but it is relatively common in Slavic churches. The Holy Doors
usually remain closed for the Typica, but the Curtain is opened.
The name "Typica" refers to the "Typical Psalms" (Psalm 102, Psalm 145, and the Beatitudes
), which typically serve as the Antiphons at the Divine Liturgy (on simple days and Feasts of the Lord, they are replaced with special Antiphons). Essentially, the Typica involves the psalms and prayers of the Divine Liturgy which are not related to the Mystery of Holy Communion.
The Typica may be read publicly in the church, or it may be read privately at home. Often in missions, where there is no priest permanently assigned to serve the parish, the Typica will be said on Sundays in place of the Liturgy.
Normally, the Typica is read after the Third and Sixth Hours (in the place where the Liturgy would normally be celebrated). During Great Lent the Ninth Hour is inserted before Typica, and the format of the Typica changes.
During the reading of the Typica, Troparia
may be inserted between the verses of the Beatitudes, as during the Divine Liturgy. However,during Great Lent this is not done; instead, the Beatitudes are chanted by the choir and between each verse they chant "Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." Also, during Lent, Psalm 102 and Psalm 145 are omitted; and, as is typical of Lenten services, the Typica will contain the Prayer of St. Ephraim
.
The Typica is also read as part of the Royal Hours
on the Eve of Nativity
, the Eve of Theophany
, and on Great Friday
(in these instances also, the Typica is read after the Ninth Hour).
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
is not celebrated.
Variety of liturgical practices
The Eastern Orthodox ChurchEastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
functions independently within his “See
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
”. In the early Church
Early Christianity
Early Christianity is generally considered as Christianity before 325. The New Testament's Book of Acts and Epistle to the Galatians records that the first Christian community was centered in Jerusalem and its leaders included James, Peter and John....
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
of St John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom , Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic...
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
Liturgy of St James
The Liturgy of Saint James is the oldest complete form of the Eastern varieties of the Divine Liturgy still in use among certain Christian churches....
(first bishop of Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the head bishop of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, ranking fourth of nine Patriarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Since 2005, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem has been Theophilos III...
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
and Russian
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
practices.
Liturgical service
The liturgical service known as the Typica (Slavonic: Izobrazítelny, Obednitsa) is appointed to be read whenever the Liturgy is not celebrated.The term Typica may be used among Orthodox Christians
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
is not celebrated.
Variety of liturgical practices
The Eastern Orthodox ChurchEastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
functions independently within his “See
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
”. In the early Church
Early Christianity
Early Christianity is generally considered as Christianity before 325. The New Testament's Book of Acts and Epistle to the Galatians records that the first Christian community was centered in Jerusalem and its leaders included James, Peter and John....
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
of St John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom , Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic...
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
Liturgy of St James
The Liturgy of Saint James is the oldest complete form of the Eastern varieties of the Divine Liturgy still in use among certain Christian churches....
(first bishop of Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the head bishop of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, ranking fourth of nine Patriarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Since 2005, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem has been Theophilos III...
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
and Russian
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
practices.
Liturgical service
The liturgical service known as the Typica (Slavonic: Izobrazítelny, Obednitsa) is appointed to be read whenever the Liturgy is not celebrated.The term Typica may be used among Orthodox Christians
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
with two distinct meanings: (a) a description of the fact that within the Church there are a variety of liturgical practices, and (b) a specific service that is read on days when the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
is not celebrated.
Variety of liturgical practices
The Eastern Orthodox ChurchEastern Orthodox Church
The Orthodox Church, officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and commonly referred to as the Eastern Orthodox Church, is the second largest Christian denomination in the world, with an estimated 300 million adherents mainly in the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia, Greece,...
has the belief that all Orthodox Christians, regardless of jurisdiction, are united in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. At the same time each bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
functions independently within his “See
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
”. In the early Church
Early Christianity
Early Christianity is generally considered as Christianity before 325. The New Testament's Book of Acts and Epistle to the Galatians records that the first Christian community was centered in Jerusalem and its leaders included James, Peter and John....
, communication between churches took time and comparisons were rare. And so in natural process small differences in how and when certain services were to be carried out developed. These differences are called by the Orthodox Church, “Typica”, referring to the local style. These sorts of differences are completely acceptable as they accomplish the same end. An example: While the rest of the church celebrates the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. Armenian Christians, both of the Armenian Apostolic Church and of the Armenian Catholic Church, use the same term...
of St John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom , Archbishop of Constantinople, was an important Early Church Father. He is known for his eloquence in preaching and public speaking, his denunciation of abuse of authority by both ecclesiastical and political leaders, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, and his ascetic...
every Sunday morning, The Patriarch of Jerusalem celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. James
Liturgy of St James
The Liturgy of Saint James is the oldest complete form of the Eastern varieties of the Divine Liturgy still in use among certain Christian churches....
(first bishop of Jerusalem
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem is the head bishop of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, ranking fourth of nine Patriarchs in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Since 2005, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem has been Theophilos III...
). These differences do not cause dispute as they are accepted and, for the most part, are so minor one hardly notices. There are notable differences between Greek
Greek Orthodox Church
The Greek Orthodox Church is the body of several churches within the larger communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity sharing a common cultural tradition whose liturgy is also traditionally conducted in Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament...
and Russian
Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church or, alternatively, the Moscow Patriarchate The ROC is often said to be the largest of the Eastern Orthodox churches in the world; including all the autocephalous churches under its umbrella, its adherents number over 150 million worldwide—about half of the 300 million...
practices.
Liturgical service
The liturgical service known as the Typica (Slavonic: Izobrazítelny, Obednitsa) is appointed to be read whenever the Liturgy is not celebrated.There is a certain similarity in concept between the Typica and the Missa SiccaMissa Sicca
The Missa Sicca was a common form of devotion used in the medieval Roman Catholic Church for funerals or marriages which were served in the afternoon, when a real Mass could not be said...
of the medieval
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. This may be either because, (a) the Typicon does not permit the celebration of the Liturgy (as occurs on weekdays during Great Lent
Great Lent
Great Lent, or the Great Fast, is the most important fasting season in the church year in Eastern Christianity, which prepares Christians for the greatest feast of the church year, Pascha . In many ways Great Lent is similar to Lent in Western Christianity...
),During the lesser Fasts also, on weekdays on which there is only a simple commemoration in the Menaion, the Typica may be served instead of Liturgy, at the discretion of the Pastor. or (b) the priest for any reason is disqualified from celebrating the Liturgy.This disqualification may occur for any number of reasons: an emergency beyond his control may have prevented him from preparing according to the Rule for Holy Communion, he may have suffered an injury which would not permit him to enter the Sanctuary, etc. The Typica is rarely read in Greek churches (aside from Monasteries), but it is relatively common in Slavic churches. The Holy Doors
Royal Doors
The royal doors, holy doors, or beautiful gates are the central doors of the iconostasis in an Eastern Orthodox or Greek-Catholic Church....
usually remain closed for the Typica, but the Curtain is opened.
The name "Typica" refers to the "Typical Psalms" (Psalm 102, Psalm 145, and the Beatitudes
Beatitudes
In Christianity, the Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus that appear in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The term Beatitude comes from the Latin adjective beatus which means happy, fortunate, or blissful....
), which typically serve as the Antiphons at the Divine Liturgy (on simple days and Feasts of the Lord, they are replaced with special Antiphons). Essentially, the Typica involves the psalms and prayers of the Divine Liturgy which are not related to the Mystery of Holy Communion.
The Typica may be read publicly in the church, or it may be read privately at home. Often in missions, where there is no priest permanently assigned to serve the parish, the Typica will be said on Sundays in place of the Liturgy.
Normally, the Typica is read after the Third and Sixth Hours (in the place where the Liturgy would normally be celebrated). During Great Lent the Ninth Hour is inserted before Typica, and the format of the Typica changes.
During the reading of the Typica, Troparia
Troparion
A troparion in Byzantine music and in the religious music of Eastern Orthodox Christianity is a short hymn of one stanza, or one of a series of stanzas. The word probably derives from a diminutive of the Greek tropos...
may be inserted between the verses of the Beatitudes, as during the Divine Liturgy. However,during Great Lent this is not done; instead, the Beatitudes are chanted by the choir and between each verse they chant "Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." Also, during Lent, Psalm 102 and Psalm 145 are omitted; and, as is typical of Lenten services, the Typica will contain the Prayer of St. Ephraim
Prayer of Saint Ephrem
The Prayer of Righteous Ephrem , is a prayer attributed to Saint Ephrem the Syrian and used during the Great Lent by the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches that use the Byzantine rite...
.
The Typica is also read as part of the Royal Hours
Royal Hours
The Royal Hours are a particularly solemn celebration of the Little Hours in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches. The Royal Hours are celebrated only three times a year: on the Eve of the Nativity, the Eve of Theophany, and Great Friday....
on the Eve of Nativity
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve refers to the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day, a widely celebrated festival commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth that takes place on December 25...
, the Eve of Theophany
Theophany
Theophany, from the Ancient Greek , meaning "appearance of God"), refers to the appearance of a deity to a human or other being, or to a divine disclosure....
, and on Great Friday
Good Friday
Good Friday , is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of...
(in these instances also, the Typica is read after the Ninth Hour).