liturgi

Liturgi, or liturgy, denotes the prescribed public worship of a religious community. The term derives from the Greek leitourgia, from leitos “people” and ergon “work,” originally meaning a public service performed by citizens and later applied to worship. In Christian usage, liturgy refers to the organized order of worship, including prayers, readings from scripture, the proclamation of the gospel, the celebration of the sacraments (notably the Eucharist or Communion) and the singing of hymns. Liturgy typically unfolds within a calendar of seasons—such as Advent and Lent in Christian traditions—each with its own rites, prayers, colors, and symbols.

The core components of liturgy usually include the Word (scripture readings and homily) and the Sacrament(s), along with prayers, creeds, intercessions, and dismissal blessings. Music, vestments, candles, incense, and processions are common ceremonial elements that reflect doctrinal beliefs and local practice.

Scope and variation: in Catholic, Orthodox, and many Anglican and some Lutheran churches, liturgy denotes the official, clergy-led public worship with formal rites. Protestant traditions often emphasize a broader range of liturgies, from highly ceremonial to more spontaneous services, while Jewish liturgy designates the fixed daily, Sabbath, and festival prayers in Hebrew.

History and modern practice: liturgical forms developed in early Christianity and matured in the medieval period, then underwent reform during the Reformation and, more recently, through the liturgical movement toward greater vernacular use and active participation. Today most major denominations maintain a structured set of rites, while communities differ in language, music, and emphasis.