A question for our Chaldean and Assyrian Brethren

[Cluny]

I noticed that on your calendar, the Fast of the Ninevites falls next week (which is fast free for Byzantines on the Western Paschalion).

What I found strange is that the Holy Day of the Meeting of the Lord on Feb 2 seems to fall during this fast period.

How is this handled? Or is this Holy Day not on the Assyro-Chaldean Calendar?

 

[Chaldean_Rite]

I think technically speaking we have no holy days of obligation since we have not had a synod to determine these days. At least this is the answer that was given to me when I asked a few priests. On our latest calender we have noted many days which are Obligation in other Church as “Liturgical Days of Observation”.

 

[S_J_Thaikattil]

The Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Kerala, India follows the East Syriac Rite followed by the Assyrian Church of the East and the Chaldean Catholic Church. The East Syriac Rite supposedly originated in Edessa and is associated with Apostle Thomas. Apostle Thomas is revered as the Apostle of India in Edessa.

All the other denominations of the East in Kerala, including Syro-Malankara Catholics in Kerala follow the West Syriac Rite.

 

[ronyodish]

Cluny

For this year’s calendar of the Eastern US Eparchy of St. Thomas, the Feast of the Presentation (known more commonly among Chaldeans as Shimoun Sawa, meaning, Simeon the Aged/Old) will be celebrated on the First Sunday of February. Sundays are non-fasting days. The Supplication or Fast of the Ninevites will be the next three days on Feb. 2, 3, and 4.

However, for this year’s calendar of the the Western US Eparchy of St. Peter, the Feast of the Presentation was already celebrated on January 1st. They will start the Fast of the Ninevites on Feb. 2, 3, and 4.

I’m not certain as to the explanation for why the discrepancy between the two Assyrian-Chaldean Catholic Eparchies on the Feast of the Presentation. In any case, the feast does not fall on the fasting days.

Now, as you mentioned, when you look at the Roman Catholic calendar, as well as, the Byzantine Catholic Church in America calendar, the Feast of the Presentation will be on Feb. 2. What this means is that while Latins and Byzantines will be feasting on this day, the Assyro-Chaldeans will be fasting. It’s no problem, a mere difference in liturgical custom.

God bless,

Rony