Google Preferred Sources
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Constantine’s vision, Martin Luther’s German Mass

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Martin Luther’s German language Mass debuts – Oct. 29, 1525

Martin Luther statue in Dresden, Germany.
Martin Luther statue in Dresden, Germany. | iStock/robertmandel

This week marks the anniversary of when Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther’s German language worship service was first celebrated at a church in Wittenberg.

While better known for translating the Bible into German, Luther also sought to create a liturgy that was in the common language at a time and place when masses were held in Latin.

According to historian E. Christian Kopff, at the request of Elector Frederick the Wise, Luther had composed a new Latin Mass titled Formula Missae, which included some German language components.

“Luther wanted to preserve the traditional liturgy and yet make essential parts intelligible to ordinary Christians,” wrote Kopff. “A complete German service, his Deutsche Messe, was celebrated October 29, 1525 and again on Christmas Day.”

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.

Most Popular