Liturgical Anamnesis as an Element of the Euchology of the Mass

Abstract

In modern liturgical theology, the concept of “anamnesis” has become a dominant feature that defines the liturgy. Without understanding the essence of anamnesis, it is impossible to grasp the essence of the Christian liturgy. In other words, without anamnesis, the liturgy would not be liturgy. Liturgical anamnesis is, above all, an objective remembrance and actualization hic et nunc of the Paschal Mystery of Christ. It is a reminder of the past, but also an anticipation of the salvific future and the heavenly liturgy. In a narrower sense, the anamnesis is an integral part of the Christian euchology. This paper presents the latter understanding of the word “anamnesis” as a formal element in the structure of the euchology that recalls not only the different stages and facts of Christ’s life, but also the entire history of salvation in both a theological and a chronological sense.