Ecumenical Reflections on the Concept of ‘Communio Sanctorum’ in the Liturgy Cover Image

Ökumenikus szempontú megfontolások a liturgiában használt „communio sanctorum” kifejezésről
Ecumenical Reflections on the Concept of ‘Communio Sanctorum’ in the Liturgy

Author(s): Diez Karlheinz
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Systematic Theology, Other Christian Denominations
Published by: Institutul Teologic Romano-Catolic Alba Iulia
Keywords: communio sanctorum (communion of saints); liturgy; ecumenism; reformation; Ugandan martyrs;

Summary/Abstract: The study focuses on the concept of the ‘communio sanctorum’ (i.e. the communion of saints) and its liturgical use, addressing important eschatological and ecclesiological questions from an ecumenical perspective. Through comparisons of different Christian traditions, it considers both the subjective and the objective genitive sense of the key Latin term of the study, ‘communio sanctorum’, examining its patrological and conceptual-historical background in detail. The Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Reformed and Orthodox liturgical vocabularies and their common biblical basis, namely Hebrews and Revelation, are taken into account. In addition to the Second Vatican Council and other papal pronouncements (e.g. the papal sermon on the Ugandan martyrs), special attention is given to the statements and practices of the Protestant churches. The study concludes that the communio sanctorum, that is, the confessors of the Christian faith belonging to different denominations, are the common saints of the one Church. Consequently, our saints, who pray with the angels and with us, encourage us to work together in this world for the unity of the Church.

  • Issue Year: 26/2023
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 130-146
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Hungarian