The Orthodox Homily, Its Nature and Originality (Presentation Based on “Homilies” by St. Nicholas the Serbian)

Abstract

The Author of this article tries to understand Orthodox homilies and transpose them onto a Catholic ground-frame. It shows the structure and content of the Eastern way of speaking in modern time, which remains unchanging and true to the original Apostolic teachings. The Orthodox homily becomes a continuous reminder of Christian kerygma: presents its spiritual soil, Bible roots and ancient origins. The Catholic Church as a visible element of modern world and culture may become an excellent platform to spread in the world the Christian kerygma through an “Eastern” way of expressing the Gospel. In consequence, it may through the traditional character of Orthodox homilies — biblical, apostolic and kerygmatic — help bring a stop to the tendency of watering down the fundamental and common religious truths of original Christianity. Penetrating deeply into the biblical context and not prone to change, the Orthodox homily seems to be a historically tested and efficient way of proclaiming the Word of God in a world of modern laicism.