If they follow the Missal exactly, then after an entrance hymn, there will be an “access” where the clergy approach the altar. They chant in Syriac (I have come, O God, to your temple / house etc), the people respond in Syriac asking God to forgive their sins. The clergy beseech them to pray to God for them, and the people ask God to accept the sacrifice which will be offered. They then move to the side of the sanctuary, taking chairs to the side so that the people have unhindered views of the altar, crucifix and lecterns. After this the Liturgy of the Word continues in English: some initiatory prayers, and incense for the “incense prayer” in several parts, including some metrical verse and chant. This is an ancient part of the Maronite liturgy, and many many different “hoosoye” have been written. We only use 45 of them now. Each one is a special package, introducing ideas and teachings, arousing feelings and guiding the mind. After 5-10 minutes depending on how quickly they chant, all stand for the “Qadishat” in Syriac. An antiphonal exchange (some churches do not chant it as an exchange) where we ask the Holy One to have mercy on us. After a psalm come the readings, Epistle and Gospel (incense and procession at the Gospel) only, unless the celebrant has added an OT reading (rare but it isn’t unknown).
The Sermon ends the Liturgy of the Word: then the clergy approach the altar again with a slightly different access prayer in Syriac. The people respond and this time the clergy go to the altar and stand behind it facing the people (in Lebanon there are still many high altars, and also, some priests face the freestanding altar with the people, going behind it only at the Epiclesis (where there are some exceptionally beautiful “hovering” hand movements). In procession, oblations are presented, there is a shortened hoosoyo with incense over the oblations placed on the altar and the priest, altar corners and people are also censed. Then there is one of the anaphoras (LIturgies of the Eucharist) in use. The Words of Consecration are in Syriac. Soon after, the evocation of the Third Person is chanted, and the clergy kneel at the prayer “hear us O Lord” (x3). No washing of the hands is mandated but many of us include one. There is a Lord’s Prayer, and soon after, the communion is distributed. According to the 1992 Missal, the priest says on giving communion: “The body and blood of OLJC are given to you for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life”, and there is NO requirement that the recipient say Amen. I am told that the Patriarch has never allowed communion in the hand - and I have assisted at several Patriarchal Masses and have never seen either this Patriarch or the previous one administer it in the hand. After the dismisall, the clergy should silently say a poignant prayer of farewell to the altar. I hope that helps, Deacon Yuhanna
