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This morning, I attended Holy Qurbana in a Malankara Orthodox Church for the first time.
I was delighted and impressed!

I would have loved to join the congregation for coffee, but had to run.

I have a question about there Service:
At the beginning and later on several parishioners approached the priest.

He seemed to sign the cross on their foreheads with his thumb.

Is this some kind of annointing?
Is it a prerequisite for receiving Holy Communion?

Dear Dave,

Your first Liturgy at one of our churches was on Pentecost Sunday? My, you must be soaked!

What you saw the priest do was give the absolution (Rushmo, or "Seal") before Communion. Private confession is something that, while it can be done at any time upon request, is usually done during penitential seasons and before important events in one's life (for example, before marrying). Before receiving Communion, one must be absolved. This basically involves walking up to the priest and having him place his hand on you while he prays the Hoosoyo (the absolution); at the end of this prayer, he will sign the Cross thrice on the forehead of the person. If there are people who wish to receive, but couldn't be absolved at the beginning because they got to church late for valid reasons, they can ask for the priest to come out before Communion and absolve them. It is generally frowned upon, though, unless it is a last resort.

If you could, I'd be happy to hear you speak a little more about your experience.

It was at St. Mary's Church on 61st Street in Woodside. Do you know it?

The priest was very kind. He came down off the altar to welcome me and asked me to pray alongside a parishioner who guided me through the prayerbook.

And talk about congregational singing! What gusto!

Yep, I got soaked alright! Father got me a few times with the wet walnut leaves! And the Service went on for four hours!

So, that was absolution! Yes, I did see some folks come up later on in the service, but Father didn't frown on them.

I was going to ask whether I may receive, but I felt awkward.

Dear Mor Ephrem,

I have a question about the absolution given before communion. Is private confession of individual sins required before or after approaching for absolution?

How goes school? Hope all's good with you, your girl, and your families, too.

Thanks,

Steve

MOR!!!!

I wanted to answer, but I thought I'd defer to you, since you're the Malankar here!

I went to my first Assyrian liturgy on Sunday..> WOOO HOO!

Shall I post a review?

Yours,

Edward

Edward,

Yes, please do. I am interested in hearing about the Assyrian Liturgy. Thank you.

In Christ,
Anthony

Edward:

Please DO post a review!

Michael

It was at St. Mary's Church on 61st Street in Woodside. Do you know it?

I've heard of it, but never visited...who is the priest there?

And talk about congregational singing! What gusto!

I have never heard another Church sing the way we sing...

Yes, I did see some folks come up later on in the service, but Father didn't frown on them.

I didn't mean that the priest would frown on them; merely that the priests in general prefer that you get to church early enough to be absolved during the morning offices before the Liturgy (they will absolve you during Liturgy, but generally you've got to have a good reason for not being there earlier).

Incidentally, you probably could've been absolved and communed that day, just make sure you ask the priest beforehand.

Is private confession of individual sins required before or after approaching for absolution?

Steve, as far as I know private confession is only really necessary when you have some serious sins. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how vigilant priests are on educating the people on what is and what isn't serious, and on the need for private confession for serious sins.

All is well with me, thank God; hope you are well.

Ed, I expect a thorough review of your Assyrian Liturgy. :p And if Dave feels up to it, he can write one up about the Indian experience.

Ah, then you haven't tangoed with us Methodists!



Logos Teen

Ah, but you guys aren't a *Church*. :p

True...OK I have to admit: game, set, match!

Logos Teen