One of my favorite prayers of the Syriac/Antiochene tradition is the prayer said by the Priest as he leaves the altar. Does anyone know why there are different versions of the text if they all derive from the same liturgy, i.e. of Saint James? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks! :-)
MARONITE [
heartsarerestless.blogspot.com]
I leave you in peace, O Holy Altar, and I hope to return to you in peace. May the offering I have received from you be for the forgiveness of my faults and the remission of my sins, that I may stand without shame or fear before the throne of Christ. I do not know if I shall be able to return to you again to offer another sacrifice. I leave you in peace.
SYRO-MALANKARA [
catholicsandcultures.org]
Remain in peace, Holy altar of the Lord, for I do not know whether I shall return to you or not. May the Lord make me worthy of the vision of you in the assembly of the first-born, in heaven. In this covenant I trust. / Remain in peace, Holy and Atoning Altar. May the Holy Body and the Atoning Blood which I have received from you, be for me the pardon of offenses and the forgiveness of sins and for a confident face before the dread judgment seat of our Lord and our God forever. / Remain in peace, Holy Altar, Table of Life, and beg for me from our Lord Jesus Christ that my remembrance may not cease from you henceforth and forever. Amen.
SYRIAC ORTHODOX [
sor.cua.edu]
Remain in peace, O Holy Altar. Remain in peace, O Pardoning Table. / Remain in peace, O Majestic Throne that carries its Master. May the Body and the Blood that I have received from you be for the remission of my offenses, for the forgiveness of my sins and for the everlasting new life, now and forever and ever. Amen.