Funeral Rites of Syro-Malabar Church: A Liturgico-theological Analysis

The author studies funeral rites of the Syro-Malabar Church are noted for their liturgical and theological significance. In this study the author concentrates on the liturgy and theology of the funeral rites in the East Syrian tradition and see how far the East Syrian tradition is preserved in the Malabar liturgy. He shows that the East Syrian liturgy of funeral is indeed a trea­ sure house containing the Christian theology of death and the eschatological character of Christian life. These prayers and hymns of the liturgy are presented as earnest appeals to the be­ lieving community to respond in ardent faith. The large variety of hymns and prayers for various categories expresses the great concern of the Church towards each and every member. The prayers, hymns and gestures of the liturgy invite the assembly as a whole and the bereaved of the departed one in particular to lead a life worthy of the sacred journey of the believers to the heavenly home. Thus the funeral becomes an opportunity of catechesis. In this manner, the Syro-Malabar text of the funeral is already keeping the fundamental liturgical and theological thrust of the East Syrian tradition