Question About Eucharist In The COE (For Paul) - Printable Version +- Peshitta Forum (http://peshitta.org/for) +-- Forum: Communities (http://peshitta.org/for/forumdisplay.php?fid=4) +--- Forum: Church of the East Forum (http://peshitta.org/for/forumdisplay.php?fid=22) +--- Thread: Question About Eucharist In The COE (For Paul) (/showthread.php?tid=1339) |
Question About Eucharist In The COE (For Paul) - *Albion* - 12-01-2007 Dear Akhan Paul (Younan), I remember when I first started doing my research on the Assyrian COE back in the late 1980's, that I read that The Assyrian Church of the East used a kind dough in each loaf of bread baked for Eucharist (my Anglican word....sorry) that contained a little of the last loaf of bread that was used for the previous Eucharist. One author commented that since the Jews used *unleavened bread* that the COE could NOT be continuing a custom begun in Apostolic times by Yeshua's followers. I know that you are a Deacon now Paul, and I was wondering if you could eleborate on this custom for me, and especially explain about the KIND of bread used. Could it possibly be a continuation of bread used in the First Century, by the Apostles? I know that this is kinda of a 'long shot', but is it possible maybe? Would I be right to compare it to a kind of "Sour Dough" bread that one use's as 'a starter' from a previous loaf of bread, to make the NEW loaf with? I don't mean to make light of a Holy custom comparing it to 'Sour Dough', I just don't know any other way to ask the question. Thanks for answering............Shlama, your Brother, Albion Re: Question About Eucharist In The COE (For Paul) - Paul Younan - 12-01-2007 Hi Akhi, Albion Wrote:One author commented that since the Jews used *unleavened bread* that the COE could NOT be continuing a custom begun in Apostolic times by Yeshua's followers. I believe you are referring to the "Malka". During the preparation of the "Qurbana" ("Offering" or "Eucharist" in Greek), the priest is commanded by Canon Law to prepare the mixture of bread with what is known in Aramaic as the "Malka" (lit., "The King"). First, a little bit of backgound: The history of the "Malka" is narrated to us by Yohanan Bar Zo???bee, in his "Book of the Bee", where we read: Quote:And when the disciples went forth to convert the nations, they divided To answer your question of how this can be reconciled with the unleavened bread used during the Last Supper: This "Malka" is often referred to in English literature as the "Holy Leaven". The name is a bit misleading. The actual contents of the "Malka" are: wheat flour, salt, olive oil, and a few drops of water and then it is dried. There is no actual leavening agent in the "Holy Leaven." The real act of leavening the Eucharistic bread is accomplished by the addition of baker???s yeast, traditionally taken from a previous preparation and reserved for the next baking. Canon Law 15 (according to the compilation of Kelaita), stipulates: Quote:A priest is obligated to prepare the Eucharistic bread for the Holy Qurbana and to mix the Malka ("Holy Leaven") with it, in addition to the simple leaven. There are two "leavens" mixed in with the Eucharistic bread: the "Holy" one is not leaven at all. Once a year, during Holy Thursday, a bishop renews this "Malka" and distributes it to the parishes within his jurisdiction. It is used by the priests throughout the rest of the year during the preparation every week. From the liturgical book "The Order of the Renewal of Holy Leaven, Which Is Malka" we read: Quote:First, on the day of Passover Thursday they bring pure fine flour, that is, of the Then, we say a prayer right before Psalm 84 is chanted (I'll explain the significance of Psalm 84 later) Quote:Glory to you, O Most High, who descended and put on the body of our Psalm 84 - the Hebrews celebrated three pilgrimage feasts in Jerusalem annually. The psalm expresses the sentiments of the pilgrims eager to enjoy the divine presence. The recital of this particular Psalm during the preparation of the Malka is purposeful and intends to make the allusion to the Thursday Passover meal ("Last Supper") unmistakable. It is also a clear connection to the Hebraic heritage of the Church. Finally, the following blessing is given over the new "Malka", which is mixed with a previous batch (ensuring the continuation of the original line): Quote:This flour is signed, hallowed, mingled, renewed, and made one with this holy And whenever a new church is founded, whether it was as far as China, India or Japan in ancient times, or Detroit and Phoenix today, "Malka" is taken from an existing batch and delivered to continue in this tradition that links us spiritually to the table of our Lord. And since it's not actually a leavening agent, there's no conflict with the unleavened bread of the Passover meal. Hope that answers your question! Re: Question About Eucharist In The COE (For Paul) - *Albion* - 12-01-2007 Shlama Akhi Paul, Yes, that answers my question completely, and in great detail. THANK YOU! You know Paul, I have seen and read so much about the Assyrian Church of the East that I honestly feel that it's "The Mother" of ALL real Christiandom. As I pointed out to you in our conversation, if we were nearer to a Church of the East I would join if they (the COE) would have me. I believe that the COE actually PRE-DATES ALL OTHER 'branches' of Christianity; even other branches of Orthodox Christianity. I Believe that your Church holds Truth in safe keeping that perhaps NO OTHER Church has. Sometimes when I'm reading about the Assyrian COE I feel like Mar Thoma, when he confessed "My Lord and My God!". When one is confronted so strongly by the Truth sometimes there's not any other Confession left to make. Is there any way that I might study by Post, or on the internet, and somehow become more a part of the Church of the East? Thanks again for your time and energy. Shlama in Yeshua, Albion |