The greatness of the liturgy of the Orthodox Churches needs no further explanation. The term "Orthodox" itself implies 'proper worship', 'true worship'. The Malankara Orthodox Church is almost entirely indebted to the system of worship of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, but upholds the greatness of the worship life. Reverend Dr. V.C. Samuel who respects the essence of these worships, some fundamental questions were being asked. Unfortunately, even the church leadership did not even pretend to listen to the said questions until now. He was able to continue asking the said questions until his departure without ever becoming disheartened by the said response, which left him dissatisfied and disturbed. This is evidenced by his early written and unprinted authoritative treatise on liturgy and liturgical system, coming out in the light. The observations and criticisms in this book need to be taken seriously by the church someday. If it happens early, so much the better. One thing is clear as far as avoiding responsibility by mentioning the name of the court case; it is that we are not interested in experiencing the spirit of worship in spirit and in truth, except to boast.
An important contribution of a true church lover, Fr. Dr. V. C. Samuel - Observations on Worship.
V.C. Samuel Achan was a multifaceted genius; Classical languages like Syriac, Greek and Hebrew - A scholar of languages and many others, a Christologist, Theologian, historian, ecumenical leader, writer, speaker, teacher, and pastor, he is equally notable in many diverse fields. But it is in his observations on worship that he is most notable as a philanthropist. Why did he attach so much importance to this matter? The answer is very simple. One's first task as a church member or church lover is to worship, to worship meaningfully. Therefore, the defects and contradictions in the existing system of worship made Samuel Achen uneasy and dissatisfied.
Why did this discomfort not affect many in church leadership? This question becomes relevant here. If one asks why no attempt has been made to carry out the liturgical reform dreamed of by Samuel Achen, even though the Liturgical Committee, one of the synodal committees, has existed for years, many answers are possible. Let me mention three of them in particular.
2 Or, to say that worship is the primary task, tantric, mechanistic, and magical satisfaction is found in accustoming the existing system to the understanding that it came down from heaven as it is.
3. For those who think they have a little Syriac and little liturgical knowledge (except relatively well, they themselves do not seem to know anything like V.C. Samuel Achan). Existing methods can be used to highlight their special abilities. Therefore, a critical appraisal cannot be prepared. Not only that, they only want the existing to continue.
[From 'Aradhana Vijnanaiyam' published in 2004]
