Priest entering the madbaha wearing black signifying our sin. It is a symbolism of the return of the prodigal son. He adorns the vestments as a sign of the Father clothing the son in righteousness.
Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about “The armor of God.”
The Priest prepares the bread and wine during morning prayer.
Why leavened bread?
Our Lord used the regular leavened bread, i.e. “Lahamo” or “Artos”, and not “Pathiro” or “Azyme” at the last supper on the eve of Passover
( John 13:1, 29, 18:28, 19:14,31).
After the bread is placed in the paten, the priest mixes water with wine in the cup pours the same in the chalice. This reminds us that the divinity and the humanity are mixed in our Lord Jesus Christ ; That our Lord mixed wine and water at the last supper; and also that blood and water came out, when pierced at His side on the cross to wash away the sins of all creation.
Bread is a sign of Life. When we offer bread, we offer our life our own lives to God
The Veil (Altar curtain) Ex. 36:16 signifies the sky between heaven and earth
Small bell, big bells: Draw attention to important events during the Qurbana, sometimes calls believers to church for worship.
Marvahso: Representing angles fluttering their wings.
The Altar step: The step is the ladder to heaven. Also signifies the upper room.
Gospel stand (lectern): Depicts sermon on the mount.
The Altar: The table of sacrifice, Throne of God in Heaven, Tomb of our Lord, Table of life, Manger, Israel, Mt Calvary. The altar holds the “Tablitha” which is a temporary altar signifies the cross.
The Cross: Shows the presence of our saviour
The Coverings: The white linen represents the winding sheet in which the body of Jesus was wrapped. The upper altar-cloth (Virikootu), of rich and brilliant material represents the glory of Gods throne (heavens, earth and the vegetations as in red/gold/green). It covers the front of the altar to the ground usually with three divisions (denotes Trinity) with cross in the centre representing the Lord.
Canopy: In some sanctuaries, a canopy is suspended over the altar, to represent the heavens outspread over the earth, upon which sacrifice is offered for the sins of the world.
Shooshepo: (Shushafo): (The Air) Generally white in color, with embroidered cross and sometimes angels, etc signifies the swaddling clothes of baby Jesus in the manger, in the sepulcher, and the stone that rolled against the tomb. It is also considered as the bright cloud overshadowed at the time of transfiguration on Mount Tabore. (Mt 17:5).
The 12 Candles: Signifies the 12 disciples. Jesus is the light.
Paten and Chalice, spoon
Astaric (Star): This supports the veil above the paten so that it may not touch the Holy body . It is also the symbol of the star seen over the manger at the birth of our Lord.
Tongs (Gmourto): This small cushion is compared to the tongs with which the Seraphins placed the live coal on Isaiah‟s lips (Isaiah 6:1 ff). This is used as the sacramental spoon rest, and also to wipe the lips of children after communion.
The Veils: Two richly stitched veils are used to cover the paten and the chalice. The covering period is compared to the time of our Lord with the father in the Old Testament.
The Censor
Bible references to incense: Incense offered every morning( Ex. 30:34-48, Ex. 30:7, Num 16:6) Incense offered in heaven (Heb 9:4; Rev. 8:3-5).
Prayers going up to heaven like sweet smelling incense (Ps 141:2)
Top (heaven) bottom (earth). Also bottom could be considered as Mary that held the live fire (Jesus) in her womb.
4 chains: for the trinity; 72 links for the evangelists
The coal is our sin that is burnt/purged by the fire (Holy Spirit)
Jerusalem Temple
Holy of Holies: Western end, only High priest entered once a year. Had Ark of covenant. Had a veil separating this part which was rent in two with Jesus crucifixion.
Holy Place (lamp with 7 branches, altar of incense, altar of the shew bread
Separate courts for men and women (Only Jews)
Court of Gentiles (trade)
Christian Church
Holy Sanctuary (Madbaha): at eastern end. Signifies heaven. Has a curtain. Services conducted here
Part inside the rails (Azhikakam) - Holy Place. Holy Baptism, Holy Mooron and Holy Marriage, prayers, and special services conducted here.
Haikla (place of worship): Main hall for congregation.
Porch: Catechumens stood in the early Church
The monastic services of the early church fathers exhorted people to pray seven times a day based on Psalm 119:164 “ Seven times a day and all day long do I praise You because of Your righteous decrees.”(These are based on 6am-6 pm)
7 am: 1st hr after sunrise : Light coming to this world
9 am: 3rd hr after sunrise: Holy Spirit (Pentecost) Acts 2:15
12 pm: 6th hr after sunrise: Jesus crucified St. Matt 27: 45, St.Lk 23:44, St. Jn 19:14
3 pm : 9th hr after sunrise: Jesus gives up his spirit St. Matt 27:50
6 pm : 12th hr after sunrise: The coming of darkness
9 pm: Prayers before going to sleep.
12 pm: Midnight (1. Jewish people led out of Egypt in midnight Exo 12:29. 2. Jesus resurrected early morning St. Matt 28:1 3. Thief `in the night St. Mk 13:35)
For convenience we have grouped into three groups morning, afternoon and evening prayers.
Ends with Old Testament readings on the Northern side. (Readings are related to gospel reading for the day and are assigned by the church).
Service of Catecumens: Had long prayers and sermons. These were prayers and teaching for those who were preparing for Holy baptism. The deacon would then send them off. Includes morning prayer and Part 1 : Unveiling of curtain (Nin Mathavu to end of Yachikendum).
Service of the Faithful
Part 2: 5 Chapters
Chapter 1: Kiss of Peace to celebration of the Sosaffa
Chapter 2: Celebration of the Sosaffa to Diptchys
Chapter 3: Diptchys to Our Father
Chapter 4: Our Father to Thanksgiving
Part 3: Thanksgiving
Entrance procession: Birth of Christ
Adoration of Christ: Trisagion
Readings
Gospel reading and sermon
Offering of incense
Blessing the censor
Nicene creed and intercessions.
Entrance procession
Events
Symbolism
Curtain drawn aside - Opening of heaven
Song - Song by angelic hosts
Altar - Manger
Kissing 4 corners of altar - Worship by shepherds
Deacon with lighted candle - John the Baptist
Marvahsas fluttering - Angels fluttering wings
Vision of Ignatious Noorono (disciple of St. Paul)
During the burial of our Lord angels were singing “Holy art thou O Lord” Ps 99:5
Another group sang “Holy art Thou Almighty”
Third group sang “ Holy art Thou immortal” Rev 1:18
Then Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus sang “Thou who was crucified for us have mercy on us” (Mark 15:43)
Readings
Northern side – Acts of the apostles or non Pauline epistles (no revelation either). Total possible books (9) – 8 general epistles and Acts. Gospel was first preached to the Jews (Habibai, Barekmor)
Southern side- Pauline epistles (13) since Paul preached mostly to the gentiles. Also Paul was only called later to ministry.
Reading both sides shows that the gospel spreads all over the world.
Gospel Reading
Commemorates the public ministry of our Lord.
2nd procession, shows the importance of the Bible in the Church
Only the 4 gospels are enthroned as we believe Christ is the center of the Bible. Also just like Jesus explained the good news to the disciples on road to Emmaus, he speaks to us through the Church's interpretation of the gospel readings.
Offering of incense.
Prumeon: Prayer of absolution for forgiveness of the sins of the priest and his flock.
Sedra: Talks about remembering important incidents in Jesus life, talks about the glory of Holy Qurbana and our unworthiness to participate in it, prayers to send the Holy Spirit and make us worthy to receive the Qurbana.
Blessing of censor: 4 chains for the trinity (Jesus is represented by 2 chains for his divine and human nature).
Nicene Creed and intercessions. Deacon censing shows that Christ came from heaven and traveled all throughout the world and ascended into heaven. Also to exhort the catechumens to leave the church. What follows is the Service of the Faithful.
The Creed is a fundamental statement of Faith without which a service or prayer is incomplete.
What is the difference b/w creed of the Catholics and the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch?
Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit is sent by the Father and the son. The Syrian Orthodox Church believes that the Holy Spirit is only sent by the Father.-Filioque controversy. Added as early as 447 AD by Pope Leo I to the Niceo-Constantinople Creed to overcome Arian controversy, it was (1012-1024) Pope Benedict VIII that officially added it.
1. What does the washing of Priest's hands mean?
Symbolic act of inner purification, washing the disciples feet, removal of sin
2. When else does he wash his hands?
Right after absolution and before starting the Holy Qurbana (in private)
What are the two days when the kiss of peace is not given?
Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday (days of mourning)
Shows the (second) opening of heaven during transfiguration (veil of Old Testament is completely removed)
Isaiah 25:7 “On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples,the sheet that covers all nations”
Celebration of Sosaffa 3 times shows the vision of St. Peter in Acts 10:9-16. Shows that Christ came to save both Jews and Gentiles.
Next if the First Benediction.
How many times is benediction given during the Holy Qurbana? Ans: Three (now, before Anputayone, at elevation of the Holy Mysteries)
Preparation by lifting up of our hearts. (Can you declare this with truthfulness?)
Only if we lift up our hearts and our minds can we hear and join the angles when they sing Thrice Holy (bible references in living sacrifice)-This is the vision of Isaiah •“Blessed is he who has come and is coming in the name of the Lord- Glory be to him in the Highest.”- song of the Children during Palm Sunday. (St. Matt 21:9)
The upper room: Lk 22:19. Prayers also seen in 1 Cor 11:24
Without partaking in this body and blood we cannot have eternal life. St. Jn 6:48-56 “Truly, truly, I say unto you, unless you eat of the flesh of the son of man and drink of His blood, you have no life in you”
The body and blood lying on the altar is also our body and blood (our whole being) which we have to offer to God. God blesses this and uses it to extend His kingdom.
Jesus has asked us to “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Lifting of the spoon and sponge shows that His second coming will be like a flash of lightning.
Priest waving his hands symbolizes the Holy Spirit descending on the Eucharist.
Like the prophet Elijah praying to God thrice for accepting the sacrifice on Mt Carmel, the priest asks God to answer his prayers and prays to change ordinary bread and wine to the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. (We believe it does!!)
St Jn 6: 49-51” Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
First three prayers for the living the last 3 for the dead.
1 Living Spiritual Fathers (Heb 13: 18-19)
2 Living Faithful Brethren (Eph 6:18)
3 Living Secular Rulers (Ezra 6:9, 2 Tim 2:2)
4 Mother of God/Saints (Heb 11)
5 Departed Spiritual Fathers (23) AD 600
6 Faithful Departed (Ex 28:11-12, 28)
This is followed by prayers, and Second Benediction
The Crucifixion- “Anpudayone” Why is the sanctuary closed during this time?
The veil is pulled over the sanctuary as a reminder of the time of His redemptive passion, death, burial, and resurrection, when the earth was engulfed in darkness (Luke 23:44, 24:1; Mat 28:1; John 20:1)
The Seraphic Hymn (While sanctuary is hidden) – “Anpudayone (Hearken gracious)”: Hymn is based on Isaiah‟s vision (Isaiah Ch. 6). It describes the worship of the seraphim and our desire to draw near to our Lord. Anpudayone means Gracious Lord . Through this song we are praying for his mercy that Christ has offered through his death on the cross. Anputayone is a prayer of mercy
1. The Fracture and Commixture performed by the priest while the sanctuary is hidden: At the fraction the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ are symbolized with all humanity being turned from evil to salvation as the priest turns the Body from the left to the right in his hands. The priest breaks the bread and anoints it with the precious blood, signifying that the body and blood of Christ, which are separated in death, were reunited at resurrection. Then the host is lifted signifying our Lords resurrection. (The bell is rung at this time)
2. The veil is opened symbolizing the appearance of our Lord to His disciples after his resurrection several times, before Pentecost. Also reminds us the rending of the veil of the Holy of Holies of the Jerusalem temple at the time of crucifixion.
The Lord‟s Prayer that follows reminds us that we are born again, through the sacrifice of our Lord, and the consequent sending down of the Holy Spirit, as children of God worthy to call God, “Our Father” (Jn. 3: 3-5, Gal. 4:6; 1Pt. 1:3-5)
All these prayers are offered with incense. This means that the prayers of the Mother of God, all the saints, the clergy and the faithful are rising up to heaven as sweet fragrance as described in the Book of Revelation (8:3-4).
Why is the sanctuary closed again?
Did you know?
Only one communion Service the Same day on the same altar: The altar is compared to the tomb of our Lord, and the protable altar to the cross. Jesus died on the cross only once, and was buried also only once. Therefore our church allows only one communion service the same day on the same altar. So also no priest or bishop can officiate the communion service more than once the same day.
Is the purpose of such attendance "to get something out of it" or is it an offering?