A review by theologiaviatorum
Testament of the Lord: Worship & Discipline in the Early Church by

medium-paced

4.0

The Testament of the Lord, here translated by Alistair Stewart, is a kind of Church manual for a community in the 4th century east (Cappadocia is a common conjecture). It is mostly prayers and instruction for the ordination and installation of certain church offices, like presbyters, deacons, and, surprisingly, deaconesses. Many of the prayers reflect Nicene theology. We also read about early worship and liturgy, some of which is still present in many churches today, namely, the Sursum Corda. “After this, the Bishop should speak, giving and rendering thanks with an awed voice: ‘Our Lord be with you.’ The people should say: ‘And also with your spirit.’ The bishop should say: ‘Lift up your hearts.’ The people should say: ‘We have them to the Lord.’ The bishop should say: ‘Let us give thanks to the Lord.’ The people should say: ‘It is right and just.’ The bishop should say: ‘Holy things for holy people.’ The people should say: ‘In heaven and on earth without ceasing.’” (95). Then follows the Eucharistic prayer. The Testament also includes information about the testing of catechumens and their baptism, much of which it shares with “On the Apostolic Tradition” by Hippolytus. This book is a short and interesting read for anyone interested in early church history, especially Liturgics and Liturgical Theology.