Synod Participants Experience Greek-Melkite Rite Mass During Synod on Synodality

The Synod on Synodality continued its second week with a Mass celebrated in the Greek-Melkite Rite, offering delegates a glimpse into the rich traditions of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The liturgy, held in the Vatican, featured the Greek-Melkite Liturgy, known for its distinctive beauty and grandeur. His Beatitude Youssef Absi, Patriarch of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church since 2017, presided over the Mass, which took place during the synod’s second week.

The Mass deviated from the usual readings, using Matthew 9, which recounts the commissioning of the 12 apostles, instead of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Cardinal Bechara Rai, patriarch of the Maronite Church and a synod delegate, delivered the homily. In his remarks, Rai linked the biblical passage to the synod’s challenges, emphasizing the need for more laborers in the Church’s mission.

Rai referenced the synod’s working document, the Instrumentum Laboris, highlighting issues such as war, economic inequality, climate change, and healing those affected by abuse. He noted that the synod’s purpose is to foster unity and consensus, guided by the Holy Spirit, as Christ is present and active within the assembly.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, reflected on the significance of the liturgy during the synodal congregation that followed the Mass. He described the celebration as a reminder of the richness of the One and multifaceted Church, underscoring the diversity within Catholic tradition.

The liturgy was celebrated ad orientem, with leavened bread used for the consecration. Communion was administered by intinction, a practice where the Eucharist is dipped into the sacred blood before being placed on the recipient’s tongue. Two icons, one of the Madonna and Jesus overlaid with silver and the other depicting Christ the King, adorned the altar. A triple candlestick, typical in Greek liturgies, also decorated the space.

During the Credo, the main celebrant bowed while two priests shook golden fabric over his head, a gesture of reverence. As a dozen priests in intricate golden vestments processed with the leavened bread and wine, delegates observed with attentiveness, some with folded hands in prayer. A choir of young men from the Pontifical Greek College of Saint Athanasius chanted intently, their voices echoing with “Hosanna!” in the heart of the Catholic Church.

Following the liturgy, participants moved to the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall to begin the second week of the synod, continuing their discussions on the Church’s path forward.

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