The Apostolic Tradition Of Hippolytus (a.d. 215)

The Apostolic Tradition, a church order which was compiled sometime in the third century and attributed to Hippolytus of Rome probably contains a text of a complete eucharistic prayer, or anaphora. Although much of the text may have been typical of the eucharistic prayers in use in Rome at the time, some scholars suggest that it reflects the way in which a conservative bishop may have wished the Eucharist were celebrated. Introduction The study of this prayer in the twentieth century, and its application to the worship of the church at the table, has revolutionized the way the Eucharist is celebrated today. This classic prayer has influenced the shape and content of the new prayers of thanksgiving in contemporary liturgical and non-liturgical churches. It sets the words of institution within the context of a prayer which gives thanks to God, tells the story of salvation, offers sacrifice, calls upon the Spirit, and gives glory to God. The following is a Eucharist celebrated immediat…