Maronite Heritage Centre- By Fr. Anthony J. Salim
(The Maronite is listed first with the Latin in italics)
The Preparation of the Offerings takes place before the Service begins.
Preparation of the Offerings occurs after the homily.
All the West Syriac liturgies have a proper “Prayer of Forgiveness” called the Hoosoyo, which expresses the theme of the day and Service, and moves the worshiper to an attitude of repentance and openness to hear the Word of God.
No parallel to Hoosoyo.
Incense is prescribed at the Hoosoyo; for the Gospel, and for the Offerings before the Eucharistic Prayer. Incense is used on Sundays and Holy Days.
Lectionary, outlining Liturgical Year, is proper to the Maronite Tradition.
Lectionary, outlining Liturgical Year, is proper to the Latin Tradition
Two Readings from the New Testament.
Three Readings on Sundays: Old Testament, New Testament (non-Gospel) and Gospel
The Creed is always recited.
The Creed is recited on Sundays and Holy Days
The Gesture of Christ’s Peace is given BEFORE the Eucharistic Prayer begins.
Gesture of Peace is given right before Communion.
The Gesture of Peace involves folded hands.
The Gesture of Peace is generally a handshake
The Congregation remains standing from after the giving of peace until the Intercessions.
People kneel from the “Holy, Holy” until time for Communion.
The Eucharistic Prayer proclaims the Trinity in this order: Father (Preface), to the Son (Last Supper Narrative); and to the Spirit (Epiklesis).
The Eucharistic Prayer proclaims this order: Father (Preface); Spirit (Epiklesis), and Son (Last Supper Narrative).
The Epiklesis, or “Calling upon the Holy Spirit”, is more prominent in the Maronite Service in completing the sanctification of the Offerings.
The Epiklesis, of course, is present, but much more brief.
Holy Communion is given under both Species: Host dipped into the Precious Blood and received on the tongue (“intinction”).
Holy Communion can be given under both Species: Host in the hand or on the tongue and drinking from the Chalice.