Cochin : Cardinal George Alencherry, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church confirmed earlier today that the Uniform liturgy as directed by the Synod of Bishops of Syro Malabar Church has to be followed by all dioceses.

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, the Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches wrote to Cardinal George Alencherry affirming that “The mind of the Apostolic See, in conformity with the canonical norms, is that it is not possible to dispense an entire Eparchy from approved and promulgated Synodal Decisions in liturgical matters. Much less is it possible to forbid the observance of duly enacted liturgical laws.”

The letter puts to rest the argument stated in the circular issued by Archbishop Antony Kariyil earlier, stating that the Uniform Liturgy directed by the Synod of Bishops of Syro Malabar Church need not be implemented in churches that come under the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly quoting an exemption in Canon Law.

Cardinal George Alencherry and the Synod of Bishops had contacted Congregation for the Oriental Churches regarding this claim. Further to the letter from the prefect, Cardinal Alencherry has clarified and stated that all dioceses have the responsibility to celebrate the Holy Qurbana as per the Uniform Liturgy ordered by the Synod. Archbishop Antony Kariyil is also to publish the letter that has been issued to him by the Congregation for the Oriental Churches as directed by the Prefect.

A press release in this regard is soon expected.

The Uniform Liturgy of the Syro Malabar Church was celebrated from November 28th onwards in majority of the Syro Malabar Churches around the world. However, the churches under the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly followed the old Liturgy. Some of the priests of the Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly had even protested against the implementation of the Uniform Liturgy.