The liturgy after the liturgy : mission and witness from an Orthodox perspective

The word "liturgy" usually refers to what goes on inside a church building - prayers, songs and chants, recital of the creed, proclamation of the word, the eucharist.

But St John Chrysostom, source of one of the best-known Orthodox liturgies, spoke of two altars: one within the sanctuary, one outside in the public square.

The author unfolds the way in which the liturgy itself resonates with an understanding of the church as both gathered for worship and sent out to the ends of the earth, refreshed by the eucharistic bread and wine - "food for pilgrims" in their everyday struggles.

He then goes on to show the relevance of this missionary vision, not only for Orthodox churches facing new contemporary challenges but also ecumenically.