Liturgy, << LIHT uhr jee, >> is a term that refers to acts of worship that are performed by the members of a religious group. A liturgy is also called a rite or a ritual. Most religions have their own liturgy. But within a religion, various churches and denominations may develop their own kinds of liturgy. A liturgy may combine words, music, and gestures. It also may include religious objects, such as altars and special clothing; and symbolic acts, such as pouring or sprinkling water as part of the ceremony of baptism. Some liturgical services are held at certain times of the day, week, or year. They may take place on a fast day, festival, or Sabbath.
The principal liturgical service in Christianity is called the Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass. The Eastern churches call the service the Divine Liturgy. The most important events of the Christian liturgical year are Christmas and Easter. The main annual services in the Jewish liturgy are Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur.
Christianity has many forms of liturgy. The most widespread ones are the Byzantine rite and the Latin, or Roman, rite. The Byzantine rite is used by the Greek Orthodox Church and several other Eastern churches. The Latin rite is used by the Roman Catholic Church.
Today, most Western Christian liturgies are undergoing reform in both style and text. The reforms include a stronger emphasis on the Bible and more involvement of the congregation.
