Alawite sect (ab)use of Holy Qurbano

[DL82]

I have read about this Syrian syncretist sect that believes that both Jesus and Mohammed, and several local ‘prophets’ are consubstantial with the divinity, and that practices the blessing of bread and wine (presumably invalidly) as part of their rites. I am not sure, when the source said ‘holy qurbano’ whether that refers only to the ritual or whether they also (claim to) have the custom of continuing to mix in leaven from the Last Supper. It seemed really offensive to think of this being used in such a way, far different from a Protestant communion service, which, although invalid, still conveys faith in the same truth, albeit imperfectly.

Are there remnants of any of the other ancient heresies still around in the East? Are there still any local tribes of practicing Arians or Marcionites or Iconoclasts, perhaps mingled into some form of syncretism with Islamic or Pagan rites?

I apologize if this is a silly question, or seems patronizing. I am just curious from a cultural perspective in what may or may not have survived and why.

 

[Hesychios]

I have read about this Syrian syncretist sect that believes that both Jesus and Mohammed, and several local ‘prophets’ are consubstantial with the divinity, and that practices the blessing of bread and wine (presumably invalidly) as part of their rites. I am not sure, when the source said ‘holy qurbano’ whether that refers only to the ritual or whether they also (claim to) have the custom of continuing to mix in leaven from the Last Supper. It seemed really offensive to think of this being used in such a way, far different from a Protestant communion service, which, although invalid, still conveys faith in the same truth, albeit imperfectly.

Are there remnants of any of the other ancient heresies still around in the East? Are there still any local tribes of practicing Arians or Marcionites or Iconoclasts, perhaps mingled into some form of syncretism with Islamic or Pagan rites?

I apologize if this is a silly question, or seems patronizing. I am just curious from a cultural perspective in what may or may not have survived and why.

I am not familiar with the sect you describe, but I am quite sure they are not an ‘ancient’ Christian heresy in a class with the others you mention. They are certainly post -conquest, I wonder if there was any mention of them in Crusader lore? They may be post-Crusader era too. Perhaps it is the sad result of forced conversions to Islam, and an inability of the early leadership to stamp out Christian ideas completely.

The one ancient group I know of which may yet survive in the region is the Mandaeans, which supposedly are pre-Christian or contemporary with the first Christians, and are believed by some to take the baptism of John. They were clustered somewhere in Iraq, and are not considered a Christian heresy. Although they ‘might’ have Jewish origins it is not at all clear that they actually originate with Saint John the Baptist.

Likewise there are still Zoroastrians further to the east in Iran, and in India.

I have no understanding of the Druze, but perhaps their origins are ancient. My gut feeling is they are a post-conquest Muslim breakout of some sort.

 

[Farmer88]

All I know is the Alawites are Shi’a Muslims mostly from Syria and are sometimes accused of not being true Muslims. I don’t really know anything else aside from that though.

 

[OrthodoxJosh]

I have read about this Syrian syncretist sect that believes that both Jesus and Mohammed, and several local ‘prophets’ are consubstantial with the divinity, and that practices the blessing of bread and wine (presumably invalidly) as part of their rites. I am not sure, when the source said ‘holy qurbano’ whether that refers only to the ritual or whether they also (claim to) have the custom of continuing to mix in leaven from the Last Supper. It seemed really offensive to think of this being used in such a way, far different from a Protestant communion service, which, although invalid, still conveys faith in the same truth, albeit imperfectly.

Are there remnants of any of the other ancient heresies still around in the East? Are there still any local tribes of practicing Arians or Marcionites or Iconoclasts, perhaps mingled into some form of syncretism with Islamic or Pagan rites?

I apologize if this is a silly question, or seems patronizing. I am just curious from a cultural perspective in what may or may not have survived and why.

You may find that more “ancient” heresies are alive and well in the syncretist/ecumenism movement than you might think, or even want to believe. This is why the more traditional among Orthodox call it the Pan-heresy. It marries them into one, and pronounces them all as valid and equal “branches” of the Church of Christ. Just my observances.

The sinner,
Josh
Most Holy Mother of God save us!

 

[Seamus_L]

The Alawites are pretty interesting and I believe they’re a kind of Shia sect. They celebrate Christmas and Easter, and are absolutely despised by hardline Sunnis. I often wonder if the favorable treatment shown to the Christian community in Syria, stems from the fact that the Assad family are Alawites.

 

[chaldobyzantine]

The Alawites are syncretist in the sense that they mixed Ismaili Shiite Islam with some Christian elements, honoring Christ. I do know that their sect is especially devoted to Ali, Mohamed’s cousin and son-in-law, more than the shiites are. However I cannot confirm whether their devotion to Christ is similar to anything Christian.

If they do have some sort of liturgy, it is not abuse of the Holy Qurbono seeing as they have completely different beliefs and whatever “eucharist” they may have is invalid. No offense to the OP, but this thread should be moved to the non-Catholic religions subforum.

 

[Cecilianus]

The Druze worship the mad caliph Hakim, who claimed to be Allah. He was the one who destroyed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.