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What Is the Holy Qurbana?

The Holy Qurbana (also spelled *Kurbana* or *Qurbono*) is the central worship service of the churches that trace their liturgical heritage to the ancient Syriac traditionnamely the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, the Maronite Church, the Chaldean Catholic Church, and several others. The word Qurbana comes from the Aramaic root*q-r-b* meaning to draw near or to offer. In essence, the Qurbana is the divine offering that brings the faithful into intimate communion with God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Although each particular church may have its own local customs, the core structure of the Holy Qurbana is remarkably uniform. The liturgy is celebrated in the Syriac language (a dialect of Aramaic) or a local vernacular, and it follows the ancient anaphoras (Eucharistic prayers) handed down from the first centuries of Christianity.

Historical Roots

The origins of the Qurbana lie in the earliest gatherings of the apostolic community in Antioch, where the first Christians spoke Aramaic. Tradition holds that St.Peter and St.Paul consecrated the first elements of bread and wine in this region, and that the liturgical form developed under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By the fourth century, distinct anaphoras such as the Liturgia Anaphora of St.James (used by the Syriac Orthodox and Maronite Churches) and the Liturgia Anaphora of St.Addai and Mari (the oldest known Eucharistic prayer, still used by the Assyrian Church of the East) were already in regular use.

These prayers preserve a theology that emphasizes the incarnation, the mercy of God, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Over the centuries, the Qurbana was enriched by hymnography, iconography, and the use of incense, creating a sensory experience that draws the worshiper into the mystery of salvation.

The Structure of the Liturgy

While there are variations, a typical Holy Qurbana can be divided into three major parts: the **Liturgy of the Word**, the **Liturgy of the Eucharist**, and the **Dismissal**.

Liturgy of the Word

Opening Prayers The priest blesses the assembly and invokes the Holy Trinity.
Scripture Readings Selections from the Old Testament, Psalms, the Epistles, and a Gospel reading.
Homily The priest or deacon explains the readings and relates them to the lives of the faithful.
Creed The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed is recited, affirming the core doctrines of the faith.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts Bread (often leavened) and wine are brought forward.
Prayer of the Offering The priest offers the gifts to God, recalling Abrahams sacrifice.
The Anaphora The central Eucharistic prayer, which includes:
- Preface Thanksgiving for Gods creation and salvation.
- Sanctus Holy, holy, holy sung by the choir.
- Epiclesis Invocation of the Holy Spirit to sanctify the elements.
- Institution Narrative The words of Christ at the Last Supper.
- Anamnesis Remembrance of Christs passion, death, and resurrection.
- Intercessions Prayers for the Church, the world, the sick, and the departed.
- Doxology Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Consecration The bread becomes the Body of Christ and the wine becomes His Blood.
Communion The faithful receive the sacrament, often using a spoon (the ciborium spoon) to administer both elements together.

Dismissal

Final blessings, a hymn of thanksgiving, and the sending forth of the congregation to live the Gospel.

Theology Behind the Qurbana

Syriac theology places a strong emphasis on **the Incarnation** (Word became flesh) and the **theosis** (divinization) of humanity. The Qurbana is seen as a participation in the heavenly liturgy, a foretaste of the wedding feast of the Kingdom. The prayer of the Epiclesis is especially significant: by invoking the Holy Spirit, the Church asks God to make the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ, a mystery that transforms both the elements and the participant.

He who partakes of the Holy Qurbana is united with the Son of God, and through the Holy Spirit he becomes a child of God. *Syriac Theological Tradition*

Another distinctive feature is the **conciliar nature** of the liturgy. The faithful are not passive observers; they are called to join the celestial choir, to pray, to offer their own petitions, and to embody the love of Christ in the world.

Music and Symbolism

Traditional Syriac chant, known as *Beth Gazo*, fills the sanctuary with melodic formulas that have been handed down for centuries. The use of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. The altar, often adorned with a wooden cross and an icon of Christ the Good Shepherd, serves as the focal point of worship.

In many churches, the **Holy Leaven** (*Malka*), a small piece of previously consecrated bread, is added to the new doughlinking each celebration to the very first Qurbana offered by the apostles.

Observance Throughout the Year

The Holy Qurbana is celebrated every Sunday and on major feast days. Certain days have special forms:

Christmas (Nativity) The Liturgy of the Nativity emphasizes the incarnation.
Easter (Resurrection) The Liturgy of the Resurrection features the Paschal hymns and a heightened sense of triumph.
The Feast of St.George, St.Mary, or St.John the Baptist Local saints' days often include processions and additional intercessory prayers.

During periods of fasting (e.g., Great Lent), the Qurbana may be celebrated with a simpler, more penitential tone, yet the sacrament remains the source of spiritual nourishment.

Ecumenical Significance

Because the Qurbana preserves some of the oldest Eucharistic prayers still in use, it is a focal point for ecumenical dialogue. The shared anaphora of St.Addai and Mari, for instance, has been recognized by the Catholic Church as a valid Eucharistic celebration, fostering mutual recognition between the Assyrian Church of the East and the Roman Catholic Church.

These dialogues highlight a common belief: that the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries.

How to Participate

If you are invited to a Holy Qurbana, here are a few guidelines:

Dress modestly and respectfully.
Enter quietly, and if possible, receive a brief instruction from the priest.
Stand or sit according to the rubricsmany churches have a mix of standing, kneeling, and bowing.
When communion is offered, receive the spoon with reverence; some parishes also allow the faithful to receive the elements on the tongue.
After the service, spend a few moments in silent prayer, thanking God for the gift you have received.

Holy Qurbana