Dr. P.M. Sonnenberg

This practical theological study considers what the participation of young adults in the Antiochian Orthodox liturgy in Lebanon means for their formation. We distinguish four formational categories: (1) formation through liturgical rituals, (2) formation through education and coaching, (3) formation through the energies of God in the dimensions of beauty, peace, and protection, and (4) formation into liturgical lives. The first two categories demonstrate the mutuality of participation and formation. In the third category, the mystical tradition yields an affect, expressed by words such as beauty, peace, and protection. This affect points to the energies of God in which the young people long to participate. This received love of God in liturgy is shared (in a diaconal way) in daily life. However, this liturgical experience remains incomprehensible for those not properly initiated through the channels of youth movements or clubs.