Resolving Liturgical Incommensurability in Ecumenical Worship Contexts: A Hermeneutical Framework for Reconciling Anaphoral Divergence Between Eastern and Western Eucharistic Traditions

Abstract

Liturgical incommensurability between Eastern Orthodox anaphoral structures and Western Roman Rite Eucharistic prayers presents persistent challenges for ecumenical worship communities seeking sacramental coherence. This study examines the doctrinal, textual, and rubrical sources of divergence across six canonical anaphoral traditions, employing comparative liturgical theology and historical-critical hermeneutics. Drawing on the Lima Document, the Balamand Statement, and contemporary post-conciliar reform texts, the paper proposes a structured hermeneutical framework that identifies zones of legitimate liturgical convergence without compromising confessional integrity. Analysis reveals that epicletic sequencing and anamnetic formulation constitute the primary loci of irreconcilability, while doxological structures offer underexplored convergence potential. The proposed framework provides practical guidance for ecumenical liturgical commissions navigating sacramental theology disputes in pluralistic congregational settings.