Publication Date

Fall 12-1-2025

School

School of Music

Major

Music: Worship Studies

Keywords

Alexandrian Worship, Syriac Worship, Early church worship

Disciplines

African History | History of Religion | Near Eastern Languages and Societies | Other Languages, Societies, and Cultures

Abstract

This study examines the comparative development of worship practices in the Alexandrian and Syriac Christian traditions during the period of the early church. It focuses on how each community integrated their own respective cultural elements while preserving a strong theological foundation, without compromising on the teachings of Christ. Drawing on liturgical texts, hymnography, theological writings, and historical analyses, the study explores the ways in which Alexandrian worship reflected Egyptian and Hellenistic linguistic, musical, and ritual traditions, while Syriac worship was shaped by Semitic poetic forms, Aramaic language, and regional symbolism. Despite these cultural differences, both traditions remained united in their adherence to apostolic teaching, Eucharistic centrality, and Nicene Christology. The study argues that early Christian worship demonstrates a balance of cultural diversity and theological unity, providing valuable insights for contemporary discussions on contextualization, unity and diversity within the global Christian tradition.

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