The Role of Liturgy in Ecclesial Life

Mar Ivanios, renowned for his ecclesial vision and contributions to the Church, saw the liturgy as the beating heart of the Church’s spiritual life. For him, the liturgy was more than ritual or ceremony—it was the expression of faith, the primary means by which the Church experienced and participated in the mystery of Christ. His liturgical theology was rooted in the conviction that the Eucharist, as the source and summit of Christian life, was central to the Church’s identity and mission.

Through his advocacy for preserving the Antiochene liturgical tradition in the Malankara Church and his efforts to adapt it to the vernacular and Indian cultural context, Mar Ivanios demonstrated the transformative power of liturgy. He envisioned liturgy as a means of ecclesial renewal, uniting the faithful in communion with Christ and one another, while fostering a vibrant and indigenous expression of faith.

Mar Ivanios believed that the Church found its unity and purpose in the liturgy, particularly in the celebration of the Eucharist. He described the liturgy as the “life-breath” of the Church, emphasizing that it was through the liturgy that the Church experienced the presence of Christ and expressed its identity as the Body of Christ.

The Eucharist as the Source of Unity:
Mar Ivanios viewed the Eucharist as the ultimate source of unity within the Church. He drew from the ancient theological tradition of the Church Fathers, who described the Eucharist as the “sacrament of unity.” For Mar Ivanios, participation in the Eucharist not only united the faithful with Christ but also with one another, forming a communion of love and faith. He emphasized:

“In the celebration of the Eucharist, the Church is most fully itself, united as the Body of Christ under the headship of Christ.”¹

This understanding of the Eucharist as the source of ecclesial unity informed his efforts to reconcile the Malankara Church with Rome and his broader vision of Christian unity.

Liturgy as a Means of Renewal:
Mar Ivanios believed that a vibrant and faithful liturgical life was essential for the renewal of the Church. He argued that the liturgy, as the central act of worship, had the power to transform both individuals and communities. By actively participating in the liturgy, the faithful were drawn into the mystery of Christ, experiencing spiritual renewal and deepening their communion with God and one another. His writings frequently emphasized the importance of fostering a spirit of devotion and reverence in liturgical celebrations, noting:

“The renewal of the Church must begin at the altar. It is there that the faithful encounter Christ, receive His grace, and are sent forth to live as witnesses of His love.”²

A cornerstone of Mar Ivanios’ liturgical theology was his commitment to preserving the Antiochene liturgical tradition of the Malankara Church. At the same time, he recognized the need to make the liturgy accessible and meaningful to the local faithful by adapting it to the vernacular and Indian cultural context.

Defense of the Antiochene Liturgy:
Mar Ivanios strongly believed that the liturgical traditions of the Malankara Church, rooted in the ancient Antiochene (West Syriac) rite, were a sacred inheritance that connected the Church to its apostolic origins. He viewed the liturgy as a theological and spiritual treasure, rich in symbolism, scripture, and prayer. During the reunion negotiations with Rome, Mar Ivanios made the preservation of the Antiochene liturgy a non-negotiable condition. He insisted that the Malankara Church must retain its liturgical identity, arguing:

“The liturgy is not simply a set of rituals; it is the very expression of our faith, shaped by centuries of tradition. To lose it would be to lose a part of ourselves.”³

The Vatican affirmed this principle, recognizing the importance of preserving the Malankara Church’s liturgical heritage as a contribution to the universal Church.

Adapting the Liturgy to the Vernacular:
One of Mar Ivanios’ most significant contributions to the Malankara Church was his effort to translate the liturgy into Malayalam, the vernacular language of Kerala. He believed that worship in the local language would enable the faithful to participate more fully and meaningfully in the liturgical celebrations. By introducing Malayalam into the liturgy while retaining the structure and spirit of the Antiochene tradition, Mar Ivanios ensured that the Church’s worship was both faithful to its heritage and accessible to its people. This initiative reflected his commitment to making the liturgy a living expression of faith within the cultural context of the Malankara Church⁴.

Integration of Indian Cultural Elements:
In addition to adopting the vernacular, Mar Ivanios sought to integrate Indian cultural elements into the liturgy. He drew inspiration from Indian traditions of prayer, music, and symbolism, blending these with the Antiochene liturgical practices to create a uniquely Indian expression of Christian worship. For example:

• The use of traditional Indian musical instruments and melodies in liturgical hymns.
• Incorporation of Indian gestures of reverence, such as the folding of hands in prayer.

These adaptations not only enriched the liturgy but also fostered a deeper sense of connection between the Church and its cultural environment⁵.

Mar Ivanios’ liturgical theology reflected his conviction that the liturgy was both an expression of the Church’s faith and a means of renewal. He saw the liturgy as a dynamic encounter with God, in which the mysteries of salvation were made present and the faithful were transformed by grace.

Faith Expressed Through Worship:
For Mar Ivanios, the liturgy was the ultimate expression of the Church’s faith. He believed that every element of the liturgy—its prayers, hymns, symbols, and rituals—communicated profound theological truths and fostered a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy. He wrote:

“The liturgy is the Church’s confession of faith, offered not in words alone but in actions, gestures, and symbols. It is through the liturgy that we proclaim the mystery of Christ and live it in our daily lives.”⁶

The Transformative Power of Worship:
Mar Ivanios emphasized that participation in the liturgy was not merely an obligation but a transformative experience. He believed that the grace of God, received through the sacraments, empowered the faithful to live out their baptismal call to holiness and mission. He viewed the Eucharist, in particular, as the source of spiritual strength for the Church, describing it as:

“The bread of life that nourishes us, unites us, and sends us forth to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.”⁷

Mar Ivanios’ contributions to liturgical theology and practice have left a lasting legacy for the Malankara Church and the broader Catholic Church.

Revitalization of Liturgical Life:
His efforts to preserve the Antiochene liturgy and adapt it to the vernacular and Indian context have revitalized the liturgical life of the Malankara Church, making it a vibrant and accessible expression of faith.

Model for Inculturated Worship:
Mar Ivanios’ integration of Indian cultural elements into the liturgy has served as a model for other Churches seeking to inculturate their worship while maintaining fidelity to their traditions.

Liturgical Theology as a Foundation for Renewal:
By emphasizing the centrality of the liturgy in the Church’s life, Mar Ivanios has inspired a renewed focus on worship as a means of spiritual and ecclesial renewal.

For Mar Ivanios, the liturgy was not merely an aspect of the Church’s life but its very essence. Through his advocacy for the preservation of the Antiochene liturgy, his efforts to adapt it to the vernacular, and his integration of Indian cultural elements, he demonstrated that liturgy is both an expression of faith and a means of renewal. His work continues to inspire the Malankara Church and the universal Church, affirming the centrality of worship in the life of God’s people.

1. Mar Ivanios, Liturgical Life of the Malankara Church, 1927.
2. Antony Valiyavilayil OIC, The Ecclesial Vision of Mar Ivanios, Bethany Publications, 2015.
3. Vatican Archives, Correspondence on the Preservation of the Antiochene Liturgy, 1930.
4. Cyril Malancharuvil, The Syro-Malankara Church: Its Past and Present, Malankara Library, 2002.
5. Bar Sleeba OIC, The Bethany Ashram and Its Mission, 1980.
6. Mar Ivanios, Reflections on Worship and Renewal, unpublished manuscript, 1931.
7. Placid Podipara, Eastern Christian Worship: A Theological Study, 1950.