A Moral Theological Analysis of the Anaphora of Mar Theodore of Mopsuestia in the Syro-Malabar Liturgy

Abstract

This article analyzes the moral theological themes present in the Anaphora of Mar Theodore of Mopsuestia in the Syro-Malabar liturgy. The moral themes of the Anaphora of Mar Theodore can be understood from two perspec­tives. Firstly, the Anaphora is seen as a gift, the reception of a gift, and the counter-gift. The counter-gift represents the human response to the divine gift, which is reflected in the moral life of a person. Secondly, the Anaphora explicitly narrates fundamental moral principles, values, and virtues, as well as special moral cases. The research provides evidence that these funda­mental norms include resurrection ethics, conscience formation, moral law, and the principle of autonomy within the text. Furthermore, the Anaphora encompasses numerous virtues and values, such as justice, truthfulness, charity, mercy, thanksgiving, humility, holiness, and communion. It also addresses critical moral issues like bioethics, social ethics, peace ethics, and eco-theology, which hold significance in the present context. The research substantiates that Mar Theodore’s Anaphora is rich in moral content, hold­ing salience for both Eastern and Western Christian ethics. Ultimately, this Anaphora nurtures an adequate moral imagination and empowers individu­als to make the right moral decisions.