Eucharistic Prayer and Theology

This  seminar is a scholarly application of the lex orandi, lex credendi axiom. It devotes its sessions to the study of both the classical Eucharistic Prayers and to the new Eucharistic Prayers of modern or relatively modern national, ethnic or church groups. The studies, based on papers written by members of the group, or on Eucharistic Prayers written or selected by them, have alternatively a literary and a theological focus, depending on the nature of the work being discussed.

Convener

Carl Rabbe
carl.rabbe@garrett.edu

Seminar Report 2020

Convener

Carl Rabbe is an ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament, Lower Susquehanna Synod.

Members in Attendance

Geoffrey Moore, Charles Potie Pate, Fred Anderson, Rick Fabian

Visitors in Attendance

Kristian Kohler, Trish Vanni

Description of Work

Our 2022 meeting included a presentation that had been previously scheduled but delayed due to COVID, reviews of denominational ma- terials on the questions of “virtual” eucharistic celebrations, and planning for fu- ture meetings. We were very pleased to welcome visitors from other seminars and visitors to the Academy.

Papers and Presentations

  • Rick Fabian—The Eucharistic Prayers of Gregory of Nyssa Church, San Francisco.

Other Work and Plans for the Future

We plan at least one virtual meeting in 2022 to plan for next year.

Seminar Report 2020

Convener

Carl Rabbe, Ordained to Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA, doctoral candidate in Liturgical Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Members in Attendance

Robert Daly, Barbara Green, Geoffrey Moore, Carl Raabe, Pekka Rehumaki

Description of Work

This year, in place of paper presentations, we did close readings and reviews of multiple, relatively recent eucharistic prayers used in different worshipping communities. We read through two prayers crafted by a seminar member, an adaptation of the Didache’s prayer used by St. Lydia’s Dinner Church in New York City, multiple prayers from A New Zealand Prayer Book and those used at St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church in San Francisco.

Other Work and Plans for the Future

In 2021, we plan on a further discussion of the prayers from St. Gregory’s through an in-person conversation with Rick Fabian, a presentation on new Scandinavian Lutheran prayers, and possibly a discussion on Wesleyan language regarding eucharistic sacrifice.

Seminar Report 2019

Convener

Carl Rabbe, Ordained ELCA pastor, PhD Candidate in Liturgical Studies, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Members in Attendance

Fred Anderson, Charles Pottie-Pate, Carl Rabbe

Visitors in Attendance

Todd Stepp

Description of Work

Review of paper on the impact of various atonement the- ologies on eucharistic theology; a close reading and discussion of the texts of several newly crafted eucharistic prayers; and discussions on how to make our meetings more accessible to members and visitors from a distance.

Other Work and Plans for the Future

Plans for 2020 meeting in Atlanta and how to include participants through a virtual format.