Evangelical burial liturgy in Gdansk and Prussia in the light of unknown liturgical agendas

Abstract

We can learn about forms of Evangelical burial liturgy in Gdansk and Prussia from liturgical agendas published in Konigsberg, Gdansk and Torun. Over ten editions enable to follow through the development of liturgy and Evangelical doctrine in both Royal and Ducal Prussia. They are also significant for our studies on Polish culture, social life of Polish Protestants and the development of the Polish language. An analysis proves that burial liturgy of Prussian Evangelicals evolved from an austere form conforming to Luther’s and Melanchton’s teachings to a complex one, resembling Roman Catholic liturgy, including texts from the Bible, Church Fathers and even the poetry of Jan Kochanowski, the greatest Polish Renaissance poet, who was a Catholic. The liturgy was conducted in both German and Polish in Gdansk and Konigsberg; in Torun and in the country the Polish language was more frequently used.