A brief introduction into Liturgy of Syro Malabar Catholic Church

What is Liturgy?

Liturgy is an "action" of the whole Christ (Christus totus) CCC1136.  The liturgy is the work of the whole Christ; head and body. Our high priest celebrates it unceasingly in the heavenly liturgy, with the holy Mother Mary, the apostles, all the saints, and the multitude of those who have already entered the kingdom (CCC1187). It is seen as transcending time and the world. All believers are believed to be united in worship in the Kingdom of God along with departed Saints and the celestial Angels.

Liturgy is the state of “being in communion & feast with God”. In earth, Liturgy is seen as symbolic, yet also not just merely symbolic, but making the unseen reality manifest.  In human life, signs and symbols occupy an important place. As a being at once body and spirit, man expresses and perceives spiritual realities through physical signs and symbols. The same holds true for his relationship with God. According to Eastern tradition and belief, the Liturgy's roots go back to Jewish worship and the adaptation of Jewish worship by Early Christians. 

First form of Liturgy by Humans
         First liturgy by Humans was performed in the Garden of Aden / Paradise, where humans were by nature in ‘Communion with God’. Adam freely and easily communicated with God. Humans were God’s best creation and being in the image of God, humans processed the divine gift of Free Will.

Second form of Liturgy by Humans
       Second form of liturgy by Humans is Animal Sacrifice. After 'free will' was exercised in wrong way, humans become stained of Sin, got spiritually downgraded & lost the ability of direct communion with God. Humans through out all regions tried various methods including animal sacrifice to be in communion with God with their limited Spiritual level. Mercy & Love of God towards his best creation devised a plan for cleansing Man of the stain of sins and redeem him to his original Spiritual level in Paradise.

Third form of Liturgy by Chosen People
      For redeeming mankind, God selected a perfect man – Abraham and again screened his descendants to select a perfect human Jacob. Just like a farmer who select the best plant to his nursery, to create a beautiful Plantation, God used Jacob to build a new nation of People called Israel, for his much greater purpose of redeeming all humans in the world.

       In this Nursery of redemption, God prepared the blueprint of final best Liturgy humans in Earth could perform, which will be enacted through his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. For that God inspired his Prophets and Kings of Israel, to write Holy Bible, comprising of beautiful hymns / Psalms and prophecies. Through these prophets & priests, the Chosen People received from God distinctive signs and symbols which evolved into their liturgical life. God divided the days into liturgical hours, weeks, months and years because humans in Earth are bounded by the dimension of time. Through this, humans could somewhat experience, what he was having in Paradise. That is to be in communion in God, within the limited circumstances he is having.

Normal Jewish persons began to pray seven or three times of a day. Many psalms specifically mention praying in the morning (5:3; 55:17; 59:16; 88:13; 92:2) or evening (17:1-3; 42:8; 63:5-6; 119:55; 141:2).

"Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws." Pslams 119:164

“He (Daniel) still prays three times a day” Daniel 6:13.

Gospel records Jesus praying various times, like evening, early morning & morning regularly. Messiah himself followed the Liturgical Cycle he has given to the chosen people.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35 (Qala d-Shahra or the Vigil Liturgy - 3 AM)

"After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone." Mathew 14:23 (Ramsha or the Evening Liturgy)

This was followed by the Apostles.

"One day at about three in the afternoon he (St. Peter) had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius"" Acts 10:3 (D’Batsha Shayin or Ninth Hour Liturgy - 3 PM)

"The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray." Acts 10:9 (Endana or the Noon Liturgy - 12 PM)

Fourth & best form of Liturgy by Messiah – Jesus Christ
     God cannot coexist with stains of Sin because he is Holy. So to redeem his best creation - the humans, God sent his only Begotten Son into the Nursery Nation which he made (Israel /Jews) and sacrificed his only begotten Son in the best Divine Liturgy ever performed in Earth.

Why it is the best Divine Liturgy - because it’s done by Jesus Christ who is at the same time fully God, and fully Human. Maximum price God could spend for cleansing the stain of sins from the repented humans who lived before, the time of Jesus and after him was the ultimate sacrifice of his only begotten Son. Because God loved his best creation the humans so much that, he sacrificed his only begotten Son for redeeming them and thus uplifting their spiritual level back to the level when he was in Paradise.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

         By commanding “do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19, Jesus Christ instructed to include this ‘new covenant’ in the liturgy God established for Jews. This is the best and final form of liturgical service human in his current state could perform. So earlier Christians continuing their Jewish tradition used to pray seven times a day and reenacted the Sacrifice of Jesus by breaking of bread in the Divine Liturgy. 

Growth of Liturgy fulfilled by Jesus Christ into various Liturgical traditions.

     Apostolic Church grew under the leadership of St Simon Peter / Mar Simon Kepha after the Pentecost through Apostles and their disciples. Leadership of St Peter in the apostolic Churches continues through Bishop of Rome / Mar Papa, the successor of St. Peter throughout centuries. The Universal / Catholic Church grew throughout the world through Holy Apostles and their disciples in the early centuries even after facing severe persecutions from various Roman and Persian Emperors. At various places, due to different cultural, geographical and political situations along with growth of various theological doctrines, the Divine Liturgy got enriched with various Liturgical traditions.

The various liturgical traditions are

1)      Latin liturgical tradition.

2)      Alexandrian liturgical tradition

3)      West Syriac / Antiochian liturgical tradition

4)      Byzantine liturgical tradition

5)      Armenian liturgical tradition

6)      East Syriac / Chaldean liturgical tradition

East Syriac Litugical Traditon of Syro Malabar Catholic Church
Syro Malabar Church liturgical tradition originated from the East Syrian / Chaldean liturgical tradition. Syro Malabar Church is farthest Apostolic Church from Jerusalem. The Church was founded by St Thomas the Apostle, who after his missionary work in Persia & Taxila came to the Malabar Coast of India in search of the Lost Sheep’s of Israel. Church of Babylon was founded by disciples of St Thomas - Mar Addai & Mar Mari. So churches of Babylon, Persia & India are considered to be having the apostolic tradition of St Thomas. Unlike all the other Apostolic Churches, these churches were outside the Roman Empire and faced severe persecution in Persian Empire throughout history and existed relatively peaceful in Malabar Coast of Indian Peninsula. The confusion after Council of Ephesus caused alienation of these churches from other brotherly churches in Roman Empire. The geographical, political isolation along with cultural difference created, very distinguished traditions among these churches. Since originated from a common Apostle – St Thomas, they shared centuries of relations between people & Liturgical traditions. The Christians in the Malabar Coast were called Nasrani’s (Acts 24:5) / St Thomas Christians and their life style was called 'Way of Thomas'.

The Liturgical Language of Syro Malabar Church is East Syriac of East Syriac tradition. East Syriac was the dialect of Aramaic, spoken in Galilee. It was therefore the mother tongue of our Lord Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, all Apostles & most of the prophets from Daniel. Syro Malabar Church and Chaldean Catholic Church are only Catholic Churches still using Mother Tongue of Jesus Christ as liturgical Language.

Three Divine anaphorae of East Syriac tradition are used in Syro Malabar Church.

1)      Liturgy of Holy Apostles (Liturgy of Mar Addai And Mar Mari) – 2nd Century

It is one of the oldest liturgies in Christianity. This liturgy is traditionally attributed to Mar Addai (disciple of Saint Thomas the Apostle) and Mar Mari. In the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church this liturgy has three forms: a simplified form, a standard form for Sunday’s use, and a highly solemn form, known as the "Raza", used only on solemnities. Liturgy of Mar Addai and Mar Mari is the most common liturgical tradition now used in Syro Malabar Church.

2)      Anaphora of Mar Theodore (by Mar Theodore, 4^th Century)
traditionally used on the Epiphany and the feasts of St. John the Baptist and of the Greek Doctors, both of which occur in Epiphany-tide on the Wednesday of the Rogation of the Ninevites, and on Maundy Thursday

3)      Anaphora of Mar Nestorius (5^th Century)
 Advent to Palm Sunday

 
Even though only the first Anaphorae is widely used, Holy See encourages Syro Malabar Church to restore the other two anaphorae.

Syro Malabar Liturgical cycles

Since Syro Malabar Church is an Apostolic Church, the Church retains various Apostolic & Jewish Traditions in their Liturgical timetables. Our Liturgy is a combination of various cycles including a) daily cycle, b) weekly cycle, c) monthly cycle, d) annual cycle, e) into eternity. Repeating these cycles, helps us to deepen & grow in God experience.

    

A)      Daily Cycle / Liturgy of Hours – This celebration, faithful to the apostolic exhortations to "pray constantly," is "so devised that the whole course of the day and night is made holy by the praise of God." CCC1174. “The faithful who celebrate the Liturgy of the Hours are united to Christ our high priest, by the prayer of the Psalms, meditation on the Word of God, and canticles and blessings, in order to be joined with his unceasing and universal prayer that gives glory to the Father and implores the gift of the Holy Spirit on the whole world.” (CCC1196).

       Syro Malabar Church's Liturgical day begins from the Sunset and end in Sunset. It is in connection with Gods creation in Genesis & Passover in Egypt and continuation of Jewish tradition. Syro Malabar Liturgical day is divided into eight portions consisting of three hours. Continuing Jewish & Apostolic traditions, Syro Malabar Christians pray seven times in a day.

“Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.” Psalms 119:164

• Ramsha / The evening Liturgy (Sunset / 6PM)
• Lelya / the Night Liturgy (before sleep / 9PM)
• Qala d-Shahra / the Vigil Liturgy (3 AM)
• Sapra / the Morning Liturgy (9 AM)
• Quta'a / the Third Hour Liturgy (9 AM)
• Endana / the Noon Liturgy (12 PM)
• D'Batsha Shayin / NInth Hour Liturgy (3 PM)

   In Syro Malabar Church's monasteries the tradition of praying seven times exists. Ordinary Syro Malabar faithful do Ramsha (after Sunset), Lelya (before bedtime) & Sapra (after Sunrise) and thus pray minimum three times a day. Those who like to start hourly liturgical cycle, collect the books for that or downoad this AAP by clicking here. Through this church has given a platfom for its belivers to be in communion with God at any time of a day. Its so made that a beliver having minimum abiity of reading can pray to God.

B)      Weekly Cycle: - Syro Malabar Liturgy of Hours in a Liturgical Month repeats weekly till that liturgical month ends. So for ex:- on a liturgical month every Sunday will be having same prayer & likewise other week days.

C)       Monthly Cycle – Syro Malabar Church has its own liturgical months based on the Life of Jesus Christ and Salivation of Church in a Liturgical Year. There are nine liturgical months in one Liturgical Year. They are

1. Annunciation (മംഗളവാർത്താക്കാലം / Subara)

Weeks of Annunciation (Subara) is the Liturgical Month of a Syro Malabar Church Liturgical Year. The Syro-Malabar liturgical year begins with the proclamation and celebration of the historical encounter between God and man in the person of Jesus Christ, the human appearance of the Divine Person. In these weeks we prepare & celebrate the historical event of birth of Jesus Christ. This period is also a time to remember and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in a special way.  We know for sure that the divine plan of human salvation is realized only through her fiat, her consent.

2. Epiphany (ദനഹാക്കാലം)

Weeks of Denha is centred on the great solemnity of Denha, Epiphany, Baptism of Jesus in Jordan. Month provides the faithful an occasion for meditating deeper on the Trinity and of human salvation. Also, we remember the most important Saints related to the manifestation of our Lord during the weeks of Denha.  Baptism in Jordan was the first historical event when the Holy Trinity is revealed to humans. The weeks of Denha begins on the Sunday nearest to January 6, the solemnity of Denha, Epiphany and runs to the beginning of Great Fast.

3. Great Fast (നോമ്പുകാലം / Sawma Rabba)

During the weeks of Great Fast, the faithful reflect on and meditate over the public life of Jesus and especially on its culmination in his passion, death and burial. It is a God-given time for turning to one’s own life more deeply and to become convinced of the abundant blessings of the loving God – the creation, the providential caring, the human fall, the helplessness of man to save himself, the promise of salvation, the redemption through His Son Jesus, the invaluable Gift of the Holy Spirit and the inheritance of the heavenly Kingdom. The weeks of Great Fast is also an occasion to keep up the memory of the beloved Departed through special prayers, renunciation and almsgiving

4. Resurrection (ഉയർപ്പുകാലം / Qyamta)

The Church celebrates the Resurrection of our Lord during the seven weeks of Liturgical Month of Resurrection. Church rejoice on Messiah's victory over death, sin, suffering and Satan. The empty Tomb, the empty Cross, the blooming or living or flourishing or flowering or fruit bearing Tree, and so on are speaking icons or images in the Church of this unique victory of Jesus.

5. Apostles (ശ്ലീഹാക്കാലം)

The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles (Pentecost) marks the beginning of this particular liturgical month. During its seven weeks the Church meditates deeply on the work of the Holy Spirit in humanity, sanctifying, transforming and elevating it to the heights of divinity.

6. Summer (കൈത്താകാലം)

The maturity and fruitfulness of the Church are specially meditated on during the weeks of Liturgical month of Qaita (summer). The Syriac word Qaita means "summer". Summer is the time when grains and fruits mature and ripen. Thus it is a time of plentiful harvest for the Church. The fruits of the Church are those of holiness and martyrdom.

7. Elijah-Sleeva (ഏലിയാ - സ്ലീവാ കാലം)

The great solemnity of the Glorious Cross that we celebrate on September 14th is the basic theme meditated on and absorbed in all through this liturgical month of Eliyah-Sliba. This feast emerged as the second Easter, especially in Eastern Traditions, in the second half of the liturgical year, parallel to the Easter in the first half. During this period the faithful try their best to have an experience of the heavenly bliss here on earth itself, a foretaste of the intimate union with the Divine Person.

8. Weeks of Moses (മൂശാക്കാലം)

Weeks of Moses is a God-given occasion for meditating on the end of time and the last judgement. This is a liturgical period whose duration is in fact uncertain. This particular nature is typical of the end of time and last judgement, which are always uncertain.

9. Dedication of the Church (പള്ളിക്കൂദാശക്കാലം / Qudas-Edta)

Dedication of the Church is the last four weeks of the Syro-Malabar liturgical year. They are precisely arranged to have an in-depth heavenly experience for the faithful. Christ the Bride-groom leads His bride the Church to the heavenly bride chamber and offers her to the Father, giving her the fullness of heavenly bliss. The church being the sign of heavenly Kingdom here on earth, every time the believer enters it, he/she is invited to such a heavenly experience and sing praises to the Lord in the company of the celestial choirs. The faithful reach to the climax of such experience during the Holy Qurbana celebration, the full and integral expression of their faith and life

D)   Annual Cycle – The nine liturgical months form a Syro Malabar Liturgical year and this liturgical year cycle continues every year.

E)   Eternity – Following the liturgical cycles with Church, Syro Malabar Church prepares its faithful along with all The Catholic Church into the Eternity to be with Jesus Christ.

Last & Final Liturgy for Humans
           The Divine Liturgy established by Jesus Christ, passed through his disciple St Thomas, enables a Syro Malabar Church faithful to prepare for the redemption of his Soul and Spiritual level for the second coming of Jesus Christ.  After Jesus Christ’s second coming, along with all the Catholic Churches (all saved humans), with a redeemed and uplifted spiritual level we will be back to paradise eternally. In the paradise like in Garden of Aden, along with the entire heavenly Host, we will be part of the eternal Holy Divine Liturgy. From the moment Adam was caste out from Aden, our ancestors dreamed to go back to Paradise. The Syro Malabar Catholic Church, through its Divine Liturgical Cycles of Hours, Weeks, Months, Years had given its believers the easiest path to redemption of Soul. So let’s love and practice liturgies of our Church wholeheartedly.

* Thanks to Nasrani foundation & HOLY QURBANA A PICTORIAL JOURNEY for reference