The Holy Qurbono
THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST
It is vital to remember that the Christ who makes Himself present in the Qurbana is the Risen Christ, seated at the right hand of the Father. The Qurbana not only represents Christ’s death but also His resurrection and ascension, allowing us to simultaneously participate in His death and resurrection. Through this participation, we are drawn into His presence before God, where He “ever lives to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25).
During the Qurbana, our hearts and minds should focus on the Risen Christ, where He resides in heavenly glory. The Eastern Churches, in particular, emphasize the dominating presence of the Risen Christ in their liturgies. The altar is seen as a visible representation of the altar in Heaven, and the Church as an image of the heavenly Jerusalem.
In the Qurbana, the praise on earth is joined with the praise of the angels and saints in Heaven, creating a profound unity between the Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in Heaven.