|
|
|
|
|
The
Syrian Orthodox Church
By H.H. MOR IGNATIUS
YACOUB III (1980+)
ITS
PRACTICES
There is no doubt that the Syrian Orthodox
Church was formed of various nationalities with different religious
heritages. There is no wonder, then, if it adopted from them some customs
and adapted them to agree with the Christian principles, along with
the rich rituals which it inherited from its forefathers. For example,
on Christmas Day when the Gospel of Nativity is read we light a bonfire.
Probably that is copied from the Persians who used to do so on Dec.
25th out of their joy in and respect for the sungod, on the occasion
of his birthday. Apparently, the church celebrated Christmas on that
particular date to convince the Persians that Christ Himself is the
sun of righteousness and thus to attract them to the Christ fold. The faithful prostrate themselves during
their worship as the Jews and others in the East did. This kind of worship
is copied also by the Muslims. With regard to the Clergy, we have two orders
in our Church. The first is that of the monks or the unmarried priests
who do not take charge of the parish churches. The Archbishops and the
Patriarch are selected from among their ranks. the second is that of
the married priests who are in charge of the parish churches. They do
not receive any higher position except that of Cor-Episkopos. A parish
priest may be ordained a bishop only after the death of his wife if
he is qualified. Formerly the church did not allow the monks,
archbishops and the Patriarch to eat meat, but in these days that prohibition
is lifted, except for those in Our Church possesses some holy relics and
celebrates their festivals with solemn processions inside and outside
the church. For example, our Lady's Church in © 1995 - 2008 Syrian Orthodox Church
File last modified: 26-Apr-2008 7:53 PM |
