One Body, different Cultures

One of the questions I was asked shortly after arriving in India was how are the church services.  Are you comfortable?  Do you understand the service?

Let me answer the second question first.  Do you understand the service?  Do we understand the mystery of God?  Fortunately for me the question was a reference to the language being used which was Telugu.  I learned some Telugu (a very little) through the service because I did understand the service.

There is a bit of discomfort not understanding the language being used for the service; however, I was able to take comfort in the liturgy and in the occasional use of English for one or more readings and occasionally mixed in to emphasize key points of the sermon.  The comfort in the liturgy came from the strong similarity to Rite 1 of the book of common prayer (of the Episcopal Church of USA).  I frequently found myself following the service using Rite 2 and then jumping to Rite 1 for certain prayers like the prayer of humble access.

What was different?  The Decalogue was almost always said (not just on the first Sunday of the month).  There were several collects at the beginning of the service (more than we are used to).  A sermon is not less than thirty minutes unless there is a need to shorten the service (for example a 10:30 service following an 8:00 AM service.)  The confession of sin just felt different.  It took me months to translate enough words to realize it was closer to the 1929 prayer book version.  Announcements were always read by the clergy from notes submitted prior to the service or passed while announcements were being read.  They were usually read in the middle of the service because those who had not been confirmed tended to leave after the offertory.  (Only those who have been confirmed receive communion; however, everyone in the community including those of different faiths can and sometimes do attend the liturgy of the word.)

During communion the biggest differences were people leaving before Eucharist and the lack of involvement of the laity.  The passing of the Peace began at the altar and proceeded through the congregation using a method very similar to way we pass the light of Christ at a vigil service.  Once Bishop Devamani learned about my lay Eucharistic Minister license and had asked Bishop Greg for permission I was allowed inside the altar rail to assist as a chalice bearer.  With this one exception, only clergy went passed the altar rail and they all knelt for the communion prayers unless they were the principal celebrant.

I have focused on the differences because this article would be very lengthy if I had focused on the similarities.  With so many similarities I was able to move past the language differences and worship.  Thanks be to God for all His blessings.

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