Liturgical Calendar of Mar Thoma Nasranis

Introduction

The feasts included in the liturgical calendar of Mar Thoma Nazranees are classified into two based on its origin. The first category of feasts is those feasts that existed prior to the arrival of European missionaries came along with colonizers. The second category of feasts is in the liturgical calendar due to the interaction with the European missionaries. Subject of this article is the first category of the feasts. They are listed below:

Ancient Feasts
  1. The nativity of our Lord
  2. Denha
  3. Pesaha Thursday
  4. Pasch of resurrection
  5. The Whitsunday – the feast of Ma Thoma Sliha
  6. The ascension of our Lord
  7. All Apostles
  8. The finding of the cross
  9. The transfuguration of our Lord
  10. The assumption of our Lady
  11. The Nativity of our Lady
  12. St Thomas the Apostle (November 21st)
  13. Yohannan Mamdana
  14. Pathros and Poulos
  15. Dukhrana
  16. Mar Giwargis Sahada
  17. Mar Quriaqos
  18. Mar Hormisdas
  19. Mar Sapor and Proth

Evidence for the existance of ancient feasts

The existence of these feasts can be proved based on the following documents

  1. The calendar of 1301 AD
  2. The testimony of Joseph the Indian in 1501 AD
  3. The calendar written by Mar Jacob in 1504 AD
  4. The testimony of Maffeus in 1559 AD
  5. An anonymous letter written by Fr Pachecko S J in 1579 who was a missionary in India
  6. A letter of Fr Jerome S J written in 1590, who was rector of the seminary at Kochi
  7. The decree and action point of the Synod of Diamper, 1599
  8. Letter of Francis Roz in 1604
  9. The narration of Gouvea in 1606
  10. The testimony of Fr Vincenzo Maria, a Carmelite who visited in India in the 17th century.

 

Reference

Joseph Neelankavil, “Feasts of the Thomas Christians”

© Nasrani Foundation

Feel free to use this text anywhere. We are grateful if you cite us. Write your comments to this article on info 'at' nasranifoundation 'dot' org.