The Holy Qurbono

The term Qurbana (or Qurbano) means Offering or Sacrifice and is the name given in the Syrian Church to the offering of the Eucharist or the Holy Sacrifice. It is also referred to as the Qurobo or Access, signifying the act through which humanity draws near to God.

The Qurbana represents the most sacred act in all religion, instituted by Christ Himself and perpetuated in the Church by His command to this day. It is the moment in which Christ becomes present to His people, imparting the saving power of His death and resurrection, uniting them with Him as members of His body.

Having once offered Himself in sacrifice on the cross for all humankind, Christ continues to be offered in His mystical body, the Church. Through this offering, all the faithful are privileged to unite themselves with Him in His Sacrifice, presenting themselves along with Him to the Father.

From the earliest times, there have been different rites in the Church to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. While the essential rite remains unchanged and is a continuation of Christ’s actions at the Last Supper, the language and accompanying rituals have varied. This diversity has given rise to numerous rites, including Latin, Greek, Russian, Syrian, Egyptian, Armenian, Ethiopian, and others. These rites stem from the early traditions of the Church and bear witness to her universality.

All these rites hold equal honour in the Church. As Pope Pius XI stated, “The Roman Church has always venerated them and religiously maintained them, ordering them to be preserved and arraying herself in them like a Queen in a golden robe of rich embroidery.” Each rite is a precious inheritance, contributing to the full splendour of Catholic worship.

It is both a privilege and a duty for members of different rites to preserve the traditions of their respective rites within the Church. Pope Pius XII emphasized that this preservation extends not only to the rites and their hierarchical structures but also to other aspects of Christian life, as long as they align with the true faith and the norms of good conduct.

Each rite encompasses a sacred tradition that includes:

• Liturgy
• Literature and art
• Culture and spiritual life

These traditions are preserved for the benefit of the whole Church, showcasing the richness and variety of Catholicism and its ability to adapt to the diverse peoples and cultures of humanity.

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