THE SHORT ANSWER
"Liturgy" means public service: work done for the people, often at one person's expense, not "the work of the people."
What you'll notice
You'll hear it in bulletins, catechism classes, and websites, Orthodox ones included. We've all said it.
What it's called
The Greek is leitourgia (a public service), built from an old root for "people" and ergon, "work." But words mean what people used them to mean.
What's actually happening
The standard Greek lexicon defines leitourgia first as public service performed by citizens at their own expense.1 One person paid and did the work. The Greek Old Testament used the word for the priests' Temple service, and the New Testament follows: Zechariah goes home when "the days of his service" are done (Luke 1:23), and Christ "has obtained a more excellent ministry" (Hebrews 8:6). The right gloss is public service, work done for the many.
Why it matters
The Liturgy is first of all Christ's work for us; He is the High Priest who offers and is offered. You still pray, sing, and answer "Amen." But the center of gravity is the gift, not your effort.
Where it came from
From a reasonable guess at the etymology, and from a good instinct. Twentieth-century reformers in several churches wanted congregations to take part rather than watch, and the phrase made a handy slogan. The instinct was right. The definition wasn't.
What you do
If you're Orthodox: say "public service," and then take part anyway.
If you're visiting: the Liturgy is being offered for you too. Stand, listen, and say "Amen" when you're ready.
Go deeper
- Hebrews 8:1–6.
- A Note on Words and the glossary entry "Liturgy."
Notes
-
Liddell, Scott, and Jones, A Greek-English Lexicon, s.v. λειτουργία. ↩