Rite of Preparation includes everything connected with
the arrangement of Eucharistic gifts on the altar. This section of the Qurbana is also
considered an immediate preparation for the central part of the celebration,
namely, the Quddasa or Anaphora. Thus it includes elements of Spiritual and Material Preparation.
Symbolically, this part of the Qurbana
is a proleptic celebration of the suffering, death and burial of our Lord Iso’-Msiha.
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MATERIAL PREPARATION
The Eucharistic gifts, as is already
described are prepared during the Karozutha
Prayer. The chalice is prepared in the Bet-Gazza on the southern side. The water
mixed with wine during preparation is the symbol of the Holy Spirit (Jn 7, 38-39). The paten is prepared in the Bet-Gazza on the
northern side.
The Gifts are transferred to the
altar during the Onita d-Raze,
“anthem of the Mysteries”. The
transference-procession, namely, the procession from Bet-Gazze to the altar is seen as the transference of the Body of
our Lord to the sepulchre. The
presentation of the Gifts at the altar in the hands of celebrant in cross-form
proclaims the reality of Iso’-Msiha’s death on the cross. The deposition of the gifts on the altar is
equal to laying the Body of our Lord in the tomb; covering the Gifts with Soseppa is the same as covering of the
Holy Sepulchre. All these liturgical
actions are normally led by ordained deacons.
SPIRITUAL PREPARTION
There are several prayers, hymns and
liturgical actions involved in the Spiritual
Preparation. Prostration in the Raza is an expression of unworthiness to
celebrate the Mysteries. Washing of
hands symbolizes internal purification.
Solemn approach with special prayers and actions after professing the
faith is another act of spiritual preparation.
The exchange of peace and
everything connected with it also stress the internal silence and recollection necessary
for a worthy celebration.
Peace
is the embodiment of the risen Lord for Mar
Toma Nazranees. Hence, the wish of Peace repeated several times in the
Divine Liturgy, expresses the intimate relation the people of God keep up with
the risen Lord during liturgical celebrations.
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