The Significance of Mar Ivanios for Liturgy, Church, Theology and Spirituality in East and West

Abstract

This article explores the theological contributions of Mar Ivanios, an Indian bishop who played a pivotal role in the reunification of the Syro-Malankara Christians with the Roman Catholic Church in the early 20th century. Despite being unfamiliar with the Roman Rite and Western cultural norms, Mar Ivanios fully embraced Catholicism and offers valuable insights for contemporary Western European Christianity. The article focuses on his understanding of the Eucharist and his seamless integration of liturgy, life, Church, and spirituality. By examining these elements, the article invites a fresh reflection on the universality of the Church, the relationship between sacredness and holiness, and challenges assumptions within the Liturgical Movement, highlighting how his example may influence modern liturgical theology.