Meaning of Signs and Symbols used in Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church is a topic which is of high interest among the parishioners around the world. Rev.TA Samuel, the author of the books ''Aradhana'' is giving the meaning of signs,symbols and liturgy used in Mar thoma church in the most concise way within a short period of time. make use of it.
Place of worship:
Our places of worship are built in the form of Jerusalem Temple. It is divided into Sanctuary (Madbaha) and Haickala (it is the place where people gather for worship) Our places of worship are built east west with the Sanctuary (Madbaha) to the east. What is the importance of “east” in the worship? East is the place of the rising suns that is the symbol of the Risen Christ, the sun of righteousness (Malachi 4:2) and His Second coming. Another thing is that east symbolizes the Garden of Eden that was situated at the east (Genesis 2:8). The Sanctuary is separated from the rest of the place by a veil with the sign of a cross. The worship of the Eastern churches symbolizes the heavenly worship. Madbaha symbolically represents Heaven haickala, the earth and veil the sky.
Madbaha(Sanctuary)
Madbaha means place of sacrifice. Holy Qurbana, ordination of deacons and priests, and consecration of bishops are conducted here.It is situated at the East of the church. When we gather for worship the worshippers face to the east where the Madbaha is situated. We have seen the importance of East in our worship. And again it is believed that the second coming of the Risen Christ will be at the East (Mathew 24:27). In the Madbaha we have a consecrated place known as “thronos”(altar), it is the throne of
God that is our Lord is reigning as king on His throne He is offering Himself as a sacrifice. Hence Thronos is altar. In Isaiah 6:1 and in Revelation 4:5; 7:9-11 we see the heavenly worship where the Throne of God is in center. So in our worship also “thronos”
is the important place of the Madbaha and it also reminds us the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the thronos we see different articles like cross, light, incense; chalice and paten etc and all these symbolize the Heavenly worship. The articles placed on the
thronos including the altar spread must be consecrated before use except the cross. It is because other things are consecrated with the cross.
The Curtain or Veil
The curtain with a cross in the middle hiding the Sanctuary is the symbol of the sky separating heaven and earth. The Madbaha signifies heaven and the haickala signifies earth. According to the Eastern churches earthly worship symbolizes the heavenly worship. So the door of the Madbaha is always made in the shape of the ark. Veil indicates the sanctity of the Madbaha, the mystical nature of the Holy Qurbana and the invisibility of God. Veil is drawn from right side to the left. It is found only in the Eastern Churches.
Censer
Incense is an important factor in our worship. It was used in ancient days to pay honor and respect. It denotes the offering of a sweet smelling sacrifice to God “ Your life
must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.”(Ephesians 5:2).
The vestments
The vestments used by the priest during the worship have biblical aspect.Wearing the vestments shows the preparation of the priests in the presence of God.
The vestments used in the liturgy have symbolic meanings. The vestments signify the dignity and righteousness with which the priest is clothed, in order that he may stand worthily in the presence of God representing the people Different parts of the vestments are white cassock, kappa (phaino), kuthino, uroro,girdle
(zunnoro), zendo, and phains .
White cassock:-It is a practice from the 2nd century. It symbolizes holiness getting through the baptism.
Kappa: -The vestments that the priests wear during the holy Qurbana and the other sacraments are known as kappa. It is a sign of glorification for the one who serves God. The priest wears an alb of white linen or cotton called kuthino, which symbolizes purity and holiness. A broad strip of material worn over the neck and hanging down in front is called the stole (uroro) which represents the breastplate of justice against the power of spiritual enemies (Ps.18: 39-40;Eph.6: 14). The girdle signifies divine strength with which the priest is girded which wears around the waist. When it wears with the cassock, it signifies the ministry of servant hood and the willingness to serve at all times (Jn.13: 4,5;Eph.6: 14) A cuff (zendo) is worn over each sleeve of the alb, going up to the elbow showing that the hands are prepared for action in the service of God. It signifies the preparation and protection against enemies.
Vestments of the Bishops
Masanapso: - The Bishops of the Marthoma church always wear on their head, embroidered with thirteen crosses called masanapso (hood). The crosses represent Jesus
Christ and twelve disciples.
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