The importance of the edict of Milan in establishing the source liturgical rites in East and West
The importance of the edict of Milan in establishing the source liturgical rites in East and West

Summary/Abstract: Shortly after the victory of Constantine the Great over Maxentius, by “instinctu divinitatis”, Constantine and Licinius, his brother-in-law, published the crucial act, known in history as The Edict of Milan, in January, 313. This act granted freedom to Christianity and thus it became religio-licita in the Roman Empire. Moreover, previous decisions against Christians were cancelled, whereas the property of Churches was restored. The Edict of Milan is crucial both by its decisions and its consequences. Church life, profession of faith and liturgical worship developed, being defined by decisions of the Ecumenical Councils. An important role in Church worship was held by the liturgical rites which have effectively defined the map of the Christian world, both in the East and the West, until today.

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