Clergy of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church follows the West Syriac tradition and therefore have the same vestments of the Orthodox Syriac Church. The vestments worn by the clergy vary with their hierarchical order in the priesthood. The deacons, the priests and the bishops have distinct liturgical vestments. 1. THE Read more…
God is present every where. He can hear our prayers, from wherever we pray. Then, why should we go to Church to worship? Such questions are normally put forward by many students. A humble attempt is made to answer this question. We will see certain Biblical proofs as to why Read more…
The ordinary attire and ceremonial vestments of clergy have symbolic meanings and have sacramental significance. As outward things are expressive of the inward reality, so also is true about people’s clothes. The beliefs, ideas, and moods of vestments we wear, when we offer Holy Sacrifices have three-fold significance. They represent Read more…
Bread – Lahmo – The Eucharistic bread Bread is a sign of life. When we offer bread, we offer our lives to God. The bread used for Holy Qurbana is made of five outstanding, essential ingredients of life, representing four elements of the universe. 1. Wheat flour, 2. Water, 3. Read more…
The Thekso (Thaksa) is the text of the liturgy for the Eucharist celebration or the Liturgy or liturgical book or the book of Eucharistic rite, used by celebrant in the Holy Qurbana. It originates from the Greek word ‘Taxsis’ meaning ‘rite’ or ‘text’. The most original, ancient, and venerable one Read more…
Astaric or Star (Kaukbo) This is made of silver or gold, in the shape of a cross like, star with the four ends bending downwards and is used to support the veil above the Paten, so that the veil (Kabilana) may not touch the Holy Bread. It is the symbol Read more…
Kabilana Kabilana is small piece the richly embroidered cloth coverings of the Holy Vessels, the Paten and Chalice. The name means receptacles. There is a word in Syriac ‘Mcbilon’ meaning receptacle or accepting. The correct name for this is ‘Hoofoyo’ or ‘cover’. They are square in shape, richly stitched embroidered Read more…
The Paten (Peelasa) and Chalice (Kasa) are the sacred vessels in which the Eucharist Elements are kept, before and after consecration. The chalice and paten occupy the first place of importance and significance among the sacred vessels, for in the chalice the precious blood of Christ is consecrated, and in Read more…
This is a rectangular, miniature, and portable altar measuring 18″ long, 12″ broad and 0.5″ thick. Thus, the Thabilitho can be said to be a Mini Altar (Thronos). The word means plate or tablet. It is kept in the middle of the Holy Altar and is made of wood or Read more…
In the early centuries of Christianity, first lamps and then candles were used for lighting. Light is symbol of the presence of God. Light symbolises Divine presence. Israel experienced presence of Jehovah through the pillar of fire at night. “God is light (1 Jn. 1: 5) and in Him is Read more…