Habeebai The Syriac word “Habeebai” means “My beloved ones”. This word is used in the introduction and conclusion to the reading of General Epistle or Acts of Apostles in Holy Qurbana. The deacon standing on one step below the sanctuary on the North side, reads from James, I and II Read more
‘KURIE ELEISON’ – is frequently repeated word in our worship, in Churches and in our personal prayers. They are repeated in litanies, which consist of short petitions, each of which ends with the words ‘KURIE–ELEISON’. There are many other services during which “Lord have mercy on us” is repeated many Read more
Orthodox Churches give primary importance to worship, as it is the central action of our worship, as well as the dynamic centre for Christian life, encompassing the heart-beats of the Church, that are manifested in worship. The Holy Eucharist is the crown of all other worships, performed “in spirit and Read more
The consecration of the Holy Mooron is preceded by elaborate preparations. Fruits are collected from selected olive trees in the months of September and October. They are cleaned and squeezed. To this juice is then added pepper, spices and perfumes. The whole thing is then ground to a fine flour, Read more
The Liturgy of Christmas (Yeldho Perunaal) is celebrated in the silence of night, often creating an inexplicable, incomprehensible experience of the coming down of heaven to earth, in the minds of the faithful. Prior to the Celebration of Holy Eucharist, there is a special service performed of a burning fire Read more
Read the penitential psalms {6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 129, 149}, Meditate on relevant Bible portions and the parables on repentance. Read also the prayers before confession, that is given in the Holy Qurbana Kramam. Take time to recall your sins, both voluntary and involuntary, in prayer and relying on Read more
Holy Confession without proper preparation is a grave sin. Our desire to confess to God is always challenged by Satan. As a consequence, we refuse to acknowledge that we have sinned, and we also try to justify or find excuses for our sins. We should be prudent to recognise that Read more
Holy Confession is a Mystery (Sacrament), in which the penitent confesses his or her sins to God before an ordained priest, who is a representative of Lord Jesus Christ. The priest acts on behalf of Jesus Christ and forgives the sins and the penitent receives the grace of forgiveness of Read more
MARANAYA FEASTS Feast means ‘big day’ and ‘Maranaya feast’ means a big day related to Christ. These days are considered dedicated to Christ. Sunday is the Lord’s Day. So, it is a Maranaya day. Different kinds of Maranaya Feasts: All Maranaya Feast days should be set apart to engage in Read more
Church calendar begins with Koodosh Eetho (Church New Year), Koodosh means to consecrate or sanctify. This is followed by Hoodosh Eetho, Hoodosh means to clean, purify and dedicate. Eetho means Church. The concept is to, first SANCTIFY and then DEDICATE the Church. Church does not mean the building but encompasses Read more