Exploring the Depths of the Eastern Syrian Liturgy: Glasgow University Students Experience the Malankara Holy Qurbana

In the heart of Glasgow, a group of curious and open-hearted students from Glasgow University embarked on a spiritual journey that transcended culture and geography. Under the gentle guidance of Rev. Fr. Lukose Kannimel, the devoted priest of the St. Andrews Malankara Syrian Catholic Mission, these young seekers—mainly from diverse Western backgrounds—were introduced to the profound beauty of the Malankara Holy Qurbana, a sacred treasure of the Eastern Syrian liturgical tradition.

Established in June 2010, the St. Andrews Mission has been a quiet source of faith for the Syro Malankara Catholic community in Glasgow. Each month, on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays, the faithful gather at the historic Holy Cross Church (G42 8ER) to participate in the Holy Qurbana at 2:30 pm—a celebration steeped in ancient rites, rich symbolism, and heartfelt prayer.

This recent gathering was especially poignant, as the students encountered the liturgy not as distant observers but as participants in a living tradition. The Malankara Holy Qurbana, with its West Syriac melodies and profound ritual gestures, revealed a narrative of faith that connects the heavens and earth, past and present.

The white-clad congregation—mainly university students unfamiliar with Eastern rites—listened attentively to the sacred chants and witnessed the priest’s solemn actions, discovering in them a web of devotion, mystery, and enduring hope. Through Father Lukose’s gentle explanations and the palpable sense of reverence, the students glimpsed the depth of a tradition that has nourished countless generations of faithful, linking cultures across continents.

This encounter was more than a cultural introduction; it was a shared moment of grace. It revealed the universality of Christ’s call and the rich variety of ways in which His presence is celebrated in the Church. The mission at St. Andrews continues to stand as a humble yet steadfast harbour for those seeking to understand the Malankara heritage, nurturing faith beyond borders and backgrounds.

May this spirit of openness and communion flourish, inviting more hearts to be touched by the ancient and luminous beauty of the Eastern Syrian liturgy.