[NYer]

EXPLANATION OF THE MARONITE DIVINE LITURGY AND ITS TRADITIONS.

The Ritual of the Holy Mass according to the Antiochian Maronite Catholic Church that is

celebrated today, has its origins in the ancient rites of the Universal Apostolic Church

established centuries ago by Jesus Christ and by his Apostles. Since establishment of the

Church by Christ, many diverse forms of Christian worship have developed. In the same

period, the rites and customs observed by the Maronites have progressed and flowered into

the form which can be seen on God's Altar today.

Consequently, through periodic reforms in the liturgy since the days of

early Christianity, the Church has attempted to give its faithful a deeper comprehension

of and appreciation for the spiritual meaning of the Mass, and in addition, has tried to

give a better understanding of the spiritual benefits to be derived by those who partake

in the Holy Sacrifice.

In 1992, His Eminence Cardinal and Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir,

has ordered the new edition of the Maronite Mass, ad experimentum for five years.

The most important elements written into the Maronite Mass by the

Patriarch at the time of the decree made April 13, 1973, and in July 1992 are as follows :

1. In his observance of the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, a priest should

   always face the Congregation at those times when he directly addresses the Community or

   when he gives a blessing or benediction, and he should turn to the altar when he addresses

   or pray to the Lord.

2. The text of the Mass should be in the vernacular particularly at

   those times when the priest speaks to the congregation. However, the words of

   Consecration, the Epiclesis (the invocation of the Holy Spirit), as well as certain hymns

   and blessings should be spoken in the original Aramaic, the language used by Christ, to

   remind the faithful of their Maronite heritage and traditions.

3. The faithful will bow their heads in accordance with an ancient

   Maronite custom rather than genuflect in the roman catholic fashion.

4. The first part of the Mass, the "preparation of the

   faithful", shall consist of prayers, hymns, and readings which will varied according

   the seasons of the Church and feast days honoured by our Holy mother Church.

5. On certain special feast days during the year, such as Ash Monday,

   Palm Sunday, Commemoration of the Finding of the Cross, etc., and for weddings, funerals,

   and baptisms, a special liturgy appropriate to the occasion will replace the usual prayers

   prescribed for the preparation of the faithful.

EXPLANATION OF THE MARONITE DIVINE LITURGY AND ITS TRADITIONS

[NYer]

From left, Cardinal Silvano Piovanelli, Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria and Cardinal Carlos Amigo Vallejo from Spain attend a Mass for Pope John Paul II celebrated by Cardinal Pierre Sfeir Nasrallah, Patriarch of the Antioch for Maronites,in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, April 14, 2005.

For those who may have watched the live transmission this morning or are planning to watch the Encore this evening, at one point the camera angles in on Cardinal Arinze who is chanting along with the Maronite choir. It is interesting to note that Arinze's Curial membership includes - Special Council for Africa and Special Council for Lebanon of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops - hence his familiarity with the Maronite chant and liturgy.

[NYer]

Lebanese Cardinal Nasrallah Pierre Sfeir (L) gives the host to a nun during a mass in the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica, April 14, 2005.

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[Pyro7480]

Cardinal Pierre Sfeir Nasrallah, Patriarch of the Antioch for Maronites, celebrates a Mass for Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday April 14, 2005. Cardinals will celebrate a series of funeral Masses for nine days and known as the 'Novemdiales', starting with the funeral of Pope John Paul II on Friday. (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

[NeoCaveman]

I hope to catch this tonight, as I've never seen it before

[Kolokotronis]

Interesting read. It is apparent from your post and the linked article that the Maronites have come some distance from the days when the Latin Rite prevailed in Maronites churches. I have a couple of questions. Is the mitre worn by the Patriarch the usual headgear? Is there a Antiochian mitre or crown ever used? I note that the Patriarch is giving out an unleavened host. I didn't know the Maronites were azimites. To the best of my knowledge all other Eastern Rite Churches in communion with Rome use leavened bread. Is there any movement away from the unleavened to the leavened bread in accordance with Eastern tradition?

[NYer]