Hearing the Scriptures

By Eugen J. Pentiuc

Book Description

In the rich tapestry of Byzantine Orthodox worship, ancient scriptural wisdom weaves through every hymn, prayer, and sacred song. Yet these biblical threads often remain hidden beneath layers of poetic beauty and liturgical tradition, waiting to be discovered by those who know how to look and listen.

Eugen J. Pentiuc embarks on a meticulous scholarly journey to uncover these concealed scriptural treasures within Orthodox hymnography. Drawing from his expertise in Old Testament studies, he reveals how Byzantine liturgists have interpreted and reimagined biblical texts through what he terms "liturgical exegesis," a unique approach that differs markedly from traditional biblical commentary.

This comprehensive exploration demonstrates how sacred hymns serve as living interpretations of Scripture, particularly the Old Testament. Through careful analysis of selected liturgical pieces, Pentiuc illuminates the sophisticated hermeneutical methods employed by ancient hymn writers who embedded biblical references, allusions, and rare scriptural words into their compositions.

For readers seeking to deepen their understanding of how Scripture comes alive in worship, this work offers profound insights into the intersection of biblical interpretation and liturgical practice. The author's painstaking research reveals how Orthodox tradition has preserved and transmitted scriptural wisdom through the medium of sacred song, creating a rich dialogue between ancient text and living worship that continues to nourish spiritual communities today.