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Bi-Weekly Bible Study & Newsletter Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church in North America M G S O S A
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Qurbono Commentary
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Part 3: Posted March 5th, 2006
Having looked into the structure of the church and then the basic history of the Qurbono, let's now proceed to the different equipments used during the celebration.
To begin, one of the most common equipment we see in the altar are candles. It around the altar, on the sides of the Evangelion or Gospel stand, always held besides the Eucharist, etc. The historic context of using candles were more for practicality. In the early centuries of Christianity, the Holy Eucharist used to be celebrated in private upper rooms and cells where candles were absolutely necessary for lightning. Today, during the evening prayers, there's a tradition in which one candle is first lit and then for the second part of Ramsho (evening), all the candles are lit. One can see a practical explanation to this since the second part of Ramsho takes place when more lighting is needed.
So why do we continue using candles when we already have ample lighting? V. Rev. Konat, Malpan makes the following observations about the significance of candles today:
1) By our using candles in divine service, we are reminded that our hearts should melt like the candle wax.
2) Just as candle lights, we who are in darkness of sin should come to light. From using candle light even in daytime services, it reminds us that even after Christ's light has come into the world, we still remain in darkness of sin and therefore the divine services shall enlighten us.
3) Wax is gathered from different kinds of flowers as those who have believed in the Gospel are united in the body of Christ. That one body is bright and it brightens.
4) Melting of wax reminds us that we, too, should be prepared to sacrifice ourselves to enlighten others.
5) Melting wax is also symbolic of our need to melt away our worldly and bodily passions by the burning of the spiritual flame in us.
But beyond all these symbolic meanings, one fact is most important. God is the light of the world. The candles point to the presence of God who declares: "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have light of life" (John 8:12)
There are 12 candles on the altar symbolizing the 12 Apostles. Candles made of animal fats are never used in the church. As we read about in the previous section of the Qurbono Commentary, with the sacrifice of Christ, animal sacrifices were put to an end. Hence, no animal products are used in the sanctuary, even books that are leather-bound.
Seeing these candles in our service, may it remind us of our need to turn away from darkness of sin into light, our call for self-sacrifice and the enlightening of others, and above all, to remember that "the Lord is my light and my salvation" (Psalms 27:1).
Sources: Dr. Kadavil, Mor Athanasius. The Eucharist Service of the Jacobite Syrian Christians. Kerala: Mor Adai Study Centre, 2003. V. Rev. Konat Malpan, Interpretation of Eucharist, Mor Julius Press, Pampakuda, 1938.
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Ponderous ideas |
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