Liturgical Reorientation - Worship

Dr. V.C. Samuel Achan and Liturgical Literature - Reformation Fr. Dr. Jacob Kurien

[Former Principal Orthodox Theological College Kottayam]

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.

1. The fact is that the primary mission of church membership is not worship, but something else, according to the mindset of those in church leadership.
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]

Shared by E.J Varghese 

Fr. V.C Samuel Ecumenical Forum 

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Some thoughts from the article, picking some lines

1. " First task as a Church member or Church lover is to worship, to worship meaningfully." 

In contemporary time , we need to first focus and evaluate as individuals and Church if this principle holds relevance and there is a conviction and commitment  to attempt and worship meaningfully 

2. Defects and contradictions in the existing system of worship - Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction.

The need to reform and change for better typically starts formation through an individual's biased thoughts from their own unique individual experience ,as well in relationship with others. 

If this is understood, then we each need to ask when come together in liturgical worship where our significance and focus should  - 'To identify the defects and contradictions in the existing system of worship ' or first towards" How can  the existing system we have inherited be made to be understood and look at making positive and meaningful impact right now with in the constrains "

- Paused July 26, 2026