Holy Qurbana – Part 2

Faith Study Series – 3

Holy Qurbana – Part 2

 Preparation for the Holy Qurbana

The importance given to the Holy Qurbana can be understood only when we completely understand the preparations going on for the Holy Qurbana.

 Elements in Holy Qurbana

The most important elements used in Holy Qurbana are Bread and Wine.

Why do we use Bread and Wine? This is the tradition we follow from the Middle East. Bread prepared from wheat, and Wine is the major food in the Middle East. It can be argued that we should be using materials from the common food of our area and region. But we follow the tradition and use the same items which Christ used in establishing the Holy Qurbana, which is bread from wheat and wine. Through this we maintain the continuity.

 Why are we using bread? Bread is the main part of our regular diet. It is submitted to the Lord at Church as part of our labor and hard work. In the Middle Eastern churches like the Coptic Orthodox, all families bring the bread, and the priest will select one or two for the Holy Qurbana and the rest is served to the people as blessed bread.

 Preparation of Bread: The preparation of Bread for the Holy Qurbana has to be done in a very holy, faithful and careful manner. It has to be done with special attention. Specially kept wheat flour and salt has to be used for the preparation. The person preparing this should be aware that it will become the body of Christ during the Holy Qurbana, and should do it faithfully. All items used should be well cleaned.

 The flour is mixed with a small portion of dough kept from the previous week, to be leavened. Thus, there is a continuity that is followed for centuries. This continuity shows the unity in the Church by the relationship that every Church is taking part of the same bread. The International Orthodox Churches has a connection between each other by the virtue of this leaven that is used continually and universally. The mixed flour is kept protected to rise and is baked the next morning.

 The plates used to prepare the dough are washed and the preparer has to drink the water used to wash the plates. This indicates the neatness followed in preparing the dough. The preparer can be a man or a woman. A small mark is made in the name of Trinity. The bread is baked the following morning after removing a small portion as leaven for the following week.  

 During the preparation of the bread, the preparer should recite the Nicene Creed to have full attention towards God. It has to be done in a very careful and faithful manner.   

 Preparation of Wine: Usually the Wine is bought from the store. In India, it is prepared specially for the Churches. No one is supposed to drink from it at all! The wine should be used only for the Holy Qurbana, by the Priest. In cases where wine is not available, raisin is used. Raisin is kept in water overnight and is squeezed to make wine like drink to be used in the Holy Qurbana.

 Preparation in the Church

Cleanliness is Godliness. The Alter and Church should be cleaned in a very orderly manner by the Alter Assistants and others. The books have to be arranged, candles have to be cleaned, censor has to be cleaned, and a lot more things have to be done in a very systematic manner. The vestments of the Priest and Alter Assistants should be neat and clean.

 The readings for the service should be ready and the readers should be prepared the day before. The alter assistants should be vigilant throughout the service. Special songs for special days should be ready too early.

The Holy Qurbana should be conducted in a very specific and timed manner. More on this topic will be continued in the next sessions.

The importance given in preparing for the Holy Qurbana should lighten the minds of all who attend and part take in the Eucharist carelessly. Even though many do not directly participate in these preparations, all should be spiritually preparing with faith understanding the responsibilities to be in the presence of God.

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Faith Study Series: 3, by Rev. Fr. M. K. Kuriakose, at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, Philadelphia, PA, on Mar 1^st, 2008

Compiled by St. Thomas OCYM