[Kolokotronis]

The Bridegroom

This is the icon of which His Holiness speaks. The first three days of Holy Week in Orthodoxy we celebrate the "Nymphios" or Bridegroom, devotions. They are among the most beautiful, meaningful and didactic of all the devotions of Orthodoxy. The juxtaposition of the words, prayers and chants of these services with this icon of Christ as he was tormented and mocked drives home forcefully for the Orthodox just what +Benedict XVI is speaking of. To my own way of thinking, it seems to me that His Holiness is speaking of a far more profound and transcendent matter than simply the beauty of the Mass. Please continue to post his writings. They will demonstrate why so many Orthodox are so enthusiastic about his election. Imagine a Pope of Rome quoting a post schism Orthodox theologian. I'll ping the Orthodox list with this this evening when I get home from the office.

[ninenot]

You are absolutely correct that 'this is not just about the Mass'--but his discussion of Beauty above is reflected in his discussions of liturgy, particularly of liturgical music.

R.'s quote of Orthodox theologian should not be surprising; the O'dox icons have a great deal to teach the RC's, which have always been more 'loosey-goosey' in liturgy and art norms.