The section that precedes the Service of the Eucharist (Anaphora). It consists of the transfer of the Offerings, (i.e., procession, with accompanying hymn), Prayers of Offering and Commemoration, Prayer of the Veil, Incensing and Service of Peace. In this third part of the Divine Liturgy we commemorate both the living and departed, as well as reflecting on our eternal destiny.
Taken from: Captivated by Your Teachings by Anthony J. Salim , Copyright © 2002 by Anthony J. Salim. Paulist Press, Inc., Mahwah, NJ. Reprinted by permission of Paulist Press, Inc. www.paulistpress.com
(Taken from: Aspects of Maronite History- By Chorbishop Seely Beggiani)
Pontifical Mission of 1596
In 1596 Pope Clement VIII decided to send another mission to the Maronites. The Jesuits Jerome Dandini and Fabius Bruno were chosen.
After meeting with the Patriarch, Fr. Dandini traveled throughout Lebanon and leaves an extensive description of the customs of people. He discovered that the people are pious and have a simple and ardent faith. They highly respect their priests and when they meet a cleric they kiss his hand and ask for his blessing. The women are held in high regard, and there is no scandal among them. Dandini describes the celebration of the Maronite Divine Liturgy noting that the laity have a great part in the chanting. The laity are given the Eucharist under both species.
Dandini goes on to observe that the priests and people alike assemble to recite the Divine Office. Secular and religious gather at midnight for Matins, and there is always a large number of lay people present. During the Lenten fast the Maronites eat nothing until a few hours before sunset. They abstain on Wednesdays and Fridays from meat and dairy products. They also fast twenty days before Christmas and fifteen days before the feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul (starting June 15 to June 28 inclusive) and the Assumption.