Synergy, Synaxis, and Symphony of Synodality in the Eastern Liturgical Celebration

Abstract

This essay explores the deep connection between Synodality and the Eastern Liturgical celebration of the Syro-Malabar Church, focusing on how these elements reflect and nurture a synodal Church. The Syro-Malabar Church, rooted in the traditions of the Thomas Christians, embodies the principles of Synodality—participation, communion, and mission—through its liturgical celebrations, which are both a reflection and a training ground for a pilgrim Church guided by the Holy Spirit. The essay highlights how all Church members, ministers and participants share in the everyday journey of Christian life, which is marked by saintliness and sinfulness and how they rely on God’s mercy for salvation. In the concluding section, the essay introduces concepts from the Indian cultural context—yagam (sacrifice or offering), yogam (union or organization), and yugam (age or era)—to further illuminate the inner dynamics of Synodality as expressed through the Syro-Malabar liturgical celebrations. These concepts help to appreciate how the Church, through its liturgy, not only celebrates but also lives out the principles of Synodality in a way that resonates deeply with India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.