Letter 17

Isidore of PelusiumUnknown|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk
To: An inquirer
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore explains the symbolism of the priestly liturgy and its various elements.

The priest pronounces peace upon the church from the height of his chair, imitating the Lord of that chair, who upon his ascension left and gave his own peace. And when the people respond, "And with your spirit," they mean this: "You have given us peace — may it return to you as well." For the greeting of peace is not a mere formality but a genuine exchange. The priest offers what he has received from God; the people return the blessing to him. Every part of the liturgy carries meaning. The readings instruct. The prayers petition. The offering consecrates. Nothing is done for show — everything points to the reality of our communion with God. If you attend the liturgy without understanding what each action signifies, you are present in body but absent in mind.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.