The Heavenly Banquet:
Understanding the Divine Liturgy

The Heavenly Banquet is the most comprehensive Divine Liturgy commentary available in the English language. With over 300 bibliographical sources, an abundance of biblical citations, and quotations from Church Fathers and modern authors, The Heavenly Banquet is a treasure.

The Heavenly Banquet addresses head-on not only liturgical matters, but also social, moral and doctrinal issues, always in a clear, practical, informational, and uplifting way.

In depth, yet easy to follow, written in simple, understandable language, this book will aid Catechists and instructors who can draw from its abundant material for presentation and discussion. This work will be of great benefit to any Orthodox Christian who wants to obtain a better understanding of the Divine Liturgy. The richness and the depth of the subjects treated herein make The Heavenly Banquet a treasure.

• For all inquiring worshippers
• Perfect for individual or group study
• Written in simple, understandable language
• A meaningful gift

$40

The Heavenly Banquet features

• 80 Special Topic Studies (40 "Mini Studies" & 40 "A Word About..." studies)
• A self-contained extensive Introduction
• The complete Divine Liturgy text, indexed for quick reference
• Thorough, detailed Index of words and names
• Color-coded Index of all Biblical citations
• Parallel Biblical accounts of the institution of the Eucharist
• The complete Anaphora from the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
• 1281 footnotes
• 305 bibliographical sources

Quality book details

• Red and black ink throughout
• Hardbound (only)
• Large 7.25" x11" format
• Quality paper
• 420 pages, only 1" thick

Book Reviews

The Word Magazine (Antiochian Archdiocese)
April, 2010. By Fr. Steven Salaris.

Book Review by Fr. Doug Papulis and Fr. Michael Arbanas,
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, St. Louis, Missouri

Book Review of The Heavenly Banquet in Catholic Library World magazine, Summer 2011 (Vol. 81, No. 4).

Resources

A series of six PowerPoint lessons based on The Heavenly Banquet by Fr. George Shalhoub.
Download them here.

The Heavenly Banquet: An Overview

The Divine Liturgy is a great mystery, but this does not justify the ignorance of the people concerning what is taking place in it, what is its purpose, what are the benefits derived from it, what should our participation be, etc. In the pages of THB one will find both concise and expanded answers to these and other important questions, the end result of which is a fuller, more rewarding and more meaningful participation in the Divine Liturgy.

By reading the Introduction alone, one is introduced into the inexhaustible riches of the Divine Liturgy. But THB goes on, in its more than 300 dense pages that follow, to provide answers to a multiplicity of questions. Why do we pray for our armed forces? The question leads to a brief examination of the issue of war. The petition, For favorable weather leads to an exploration of the issue of God's involvement in the world. Praying for the dead leads to a study on the souls, remembering the bishop leads to a brief study of the bishop's role in the Church, calling God Father leads to an excursion on the first person of the Holy Trinity, and praying for healing leads to a study on miracles. Many other issues are addressed in a similar fashion, including suffering, grace, intercession and veneration of saints, inspiration, judgment, open communion, significance of dogma, and so on.

The commentary examines in depth certain crucial issues, such as:

• Why do we pay such a great honor to the species of bread and wine carried in procession before their consecration (Great Entrance)?
• Why do we use bread and wine?
• Was the Mystical Supper a Passover meal?
• Is the Eucharist a sacrifice?
• What is the significance of "remembering" the Lord's command "Do this"?
• What do we offer to God?
• What exactly is taking place when we gather together to offer and partake of Christ in the Eucharist?
• What is the ultimate purpose for offering God the Divine Liturgy?

The commentary returns to a few points with persistence. Active and joyful participation by the people stands out — participation through a fuller comprehension, by joining in the singing, by praying and, especially, through participation in the holy sacraments. The commentary insists that the so-called secret prayers be read out loud. Another important point stressed by the book is a joyful participation in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

THB opens new vistas, offering an eschatological perspective of the Eucharistic Mystery, and a renewed call for regular participation of the Eucharist. It contains extensive sections on how to prepare for Holy Communion, on how frequently to approach, it provides guidance on Communion fasting, and an explanation of the great mystery and what it does to those who partake of it.

The commentary does not balk at addressing difficult and controversial issues:

• Is there grace outside the Church?
• What is ecumenism?
• Should we have "open communion" with non-Orthodox Christians?
• Why do we insist on dogma?
• What is the relationship of faith and science?
• What is the role of the Theotokos in the Church?
• How do the Saints intercede for our salvation?

Follow THB and the Divine Liturgy won't be boring to you ever again. THB will help you pray with understanding, with meaning, with fervor, with spiritual joy.

ISBN 978-0-9778970-1-8

What people are saying:

Congratulations and many thanks for publishing the book. It is impressive as well as useful... Certainly the Lord was with you as you worked to make sure that no one can any longer say, "I don't get anything from the Liturgy!" The Lord Bless!

Father Emmanuel's work should be admired for its breadth and depth, as well as the assistance it will bring to all those who seek to enhance their participation in the Holy Eucharist. We thank him with our paternal blessings on this endeavor, with our prayers for its good use among the faithful."

…an absolutely spectacular book … an extraordinary book … totally awesome…"

It is a very handsome edition, appealing and impressive to the eye. I am certain the reader will be edified by your work... Congratulations!"

This superb book introduces one to the inexhaustible riches of the Divine Liturgy. Its 420 pages (large format) includes the actual text of the liturgy. Its purpose is to help us participate in the greatest of all Banquets joyfully and meaningfully: All you will ever want to know about the liturgy—and more—is offered to you in this one volume."

A gem for all Orthodox Christians: a detailed commentary on the liturgy, drawing heavily on patristic and contemporary resources. The multi-layered text is fundamentally simple enough to be readily accessible to any reasonably good reader, but in the extensive footnotes delves deeply enough to offer fresh insights to almost anyone, no matter how erudite. There's also enough controversial material to stimulate (hopefully productive!) thought — from its misbegotten apologia for "modern" English to its truly interesting (and well documented) considerations of such questions as congregational participation, the silent reading of the eucharistic prayers, the kiss of peace, frequency of communion, etc. Structured to contemporary Greek practice, the variations from Slavonic practice are more likely to be illuminating than disturbing. Sturdily bound as a permanent reference work. An extensive bibliography, Scriptural reference table and index enhance its utility.

How does one describe a magnificent banquet?... You've actually used the text of the Liturgy (as it should be) for explanation, not merely the actions. Bear in mind that if you convince your readers to take the words seriously, you are creating a NEW liturgical community... I am INSPIRED by your book..."

I can't tell you how much we have all enjoyed your book and how it has been the underpinning of a growth in the minds of our parishioners towards renewing their faith and increasing their knowledge and understanding of our services. Many, many thanks!"

[The Heavenly Banquet] is quenching a thirst that people have had for a long time."

This book will truly be a blessing to many. If I were financially able, I would supply this book for every family. I would also encourage young and old to read the book, and would urge parents to have it handy and to actually review the Divine Liturgy with their children of every age – pointing them to the mystery and blessing of our Lord's presence!"

The book is excellent! It is becoming very popular in our parish and even beyond. We use it extensively in our Adult Class studies. It proved to be very effective and spiritually fruitful. We found it very concise, well written, and, last but not least, it is written strictly within the Eucharistic Ecclesiology perspective, which is very much relevant to building up the genuine Eucharistic community, the thing which we are trying to accomplish in our parish. Thank you so much for the great job the author, the publisher and the distributor have done. It is very much timely enterprise conducive to Eucharistic Revival and for the Unity of the Orthodoxy in the North America."

The Heavenly Banquet is such a beautiful book that we would like to order 7 more for resale in our monastery bookstore!"

Your Divine Liturgy book... is an excellent resource for anyone. I even use it as an apologetic source. There are so many wonderful articles regarding Mary, the Saints, and the Eucharist. I just wanted to write to tell you it is a excellent book. I highly recommend to anyone. Also it has a beautiful cover. It is now my official coffee table book. When guests come over, it is a great way to lead someone into a conversation of the Orthodox Church."

Your new book looks marvelous!"

A new, monumental, brilliant book for personal study, reference, and adult education."

I thoroughly enjoyed reading [your book] (from cover to cover) and will share it with others in our community. Thank you for putting it together, the web references are fantastic... Reading your explanations was the perfect next step in my learning process.

Father Emmanuel, Christ is Risen! I studied with great interest the text of the Explanation of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. My warm congratulations... This work you labored testifies that you worked with great zeal and love... There are a plethora of references, extensive analysis, scientific documentation, but also beautiful introductions... You cast light on many issues..."