Holy Qurbana
The Holy Qurbana is the central act of worship in the Malankara Syriac Orthodox Church. It is a sacred commemoration of the Last Supper and Christ's redemptive work, celebrated with deep liturgical traditions spanning centuries of the Syriac Orthodox faith.
Holy Qurbana was instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ before His crucifixion. In Greek it is known as Eucharist — Thanksgiving — and is also called the Sacrament of Sacraments.
This sacred liturgy unfolds within the physical space of the church, where every architectural element carries deep spiritual significance.
1Poomukham പൂമുഖം
Portico/Narthex — Place for Gentiles — WestThe entrance vestibule or porch area of the church. This space serves as a transition from the secular world into the sacred space.
2Haikala ഹൈക്കല
Nave — Main Hall for Congregation — West-CentralThe main body of the church where the congregation stands during worship. It represents the earth and the assembly of the faithful.
3Azhikakam അഴികക്കം
Place Inside the Rails — Holy Place — CentralThe area between the Madbaha and the Haikala, within the sanctuary rails. This is a sacred space reserved for ordained clergy.
The Veil തിരശ്ശീല
Separates Heaven from EarthThe veil separates the Madbaha from the Haikala, signifying the sky which separates Heaven from Earth. Drawn open and closed at solemn moments during the liturgy.
4Madbaha മദ്ബഹ
Holy Sanctuary — Holy of Holies — EastThe most sacred part of the church, located at the eastern end. It represents heaven and the presence of God, containing the Altar (Thronos)—the throne of God.
Celebrated in Three Parts
Holy Qurbana
An interactive journey through the sacred stages of the Eucharistic service. Click the speaker icon to hear Malayalam pronunciation, or use the arrow buttons to navigate between stages.