"The Challenge of Liturgical Translation"
by Issac Melton
In "The Christian Activist"
http://www.thechristianactivist.com/Vol ... lation.htm
( tinyurl: http://tinyurl.com/37fpu )
Extract from the article:
"....Liturgical language, the sacramental word, is nothing less than
verbal
iconography. A verbal icon, that is, a liturgical text, like any other
icon,
must be holy — it must be set apart by respect-inspiring boundaries.
The
many and varied veils and covers used in Orthodox worship, from the
iconostasis and vestments to the chalice veil and the curtains on the
Royal
Doors, at one and the same time both reveal ("re-veil") and conceal,
thereby
eliciting our reverence. The verbal icon must also be "veiled," that is
to
say, it should be decently and appropriately clothed in excellent
poetic and
artistic language. Of course this language must be understandable. That
is
not at issue. But the language of liturgy should also appeal to the
senses,
speak to the heart, and engage the mind of the worshiper. And like any
other
icon, the liturgical text must be kalos, a work of beauty, as well as
an
accurate translation faithfully representing its original. Anything
less is
not "adequate" (Greek, prepei), that is, suitable, appropriate, to the
Orthodox Faith....."
Full article is at the above URL.