Liturgical Vestments of the Syro-Malabar Church

Although the liturgical vestments received various shapes and form in different liturgical traditions, we see a kind of marvellous unity among the basic vestments and their symbolism. In reality they are all leading one to the personality of Jesus Christ. The important liturgical vestments of the Chaldeo-Indian or Syro-Malabar tradition are the Kottina, Zunara, Urara, Zande and Paina.

Kottina [Latin Tradition: Alb]: It is a long tunic type garment of any colour, reaching from the neck to the ankles (In the Latin tradition it is to be of white colour and thus called Alb. "It symbolizes the purity consonant with the celebration of Mass and resembles the white robe with which Herod, in derision, ordered Christ to be covered"(Lk 23,11): J.P.LANG, Dictionary of the Liturgy, New York 1989, p.20.). Kottina is the Syriac term used for the outer garment of Jesus Christ, which according to tradition, was woven as one whole by Blessed Virgin Mary and is said to have grown big with Him. Anyhow, at His crucifixion, the soldiers cast lots for it without allowing it to be torn asunder (Jn 19,23-24). According to Chaldeo-Indian understanding, the one who wears Kottina, puts on Jesus Christ and performs His ministry in His place. The prayer which the celebrant recites while he officially vests the candidate with Kottina is also significant: "Let our Lord and our God put on you the new man who is renewed through the knowledge of the Truth by the grace of Jesus Christ" (Ktaba d'Takse Kumraye [Pontifical of the East Syriac Churches], Rome 1957, p.111).

Zunara [Latin Tradition: Cincture or Girdle]: It is the belt like strip of cloth worn over the Kottina at the waist. It is the symbol of "Chastity" (Cincture or girdle in the Latin tradition is a lengthy cord, usually of linen, tied at the waist. "It symbolizes chastity and is usually white": J.P.LANG, Dictionary..., p.114). The holy Qurbana and all other liturgical rites are to be performed with perfect holiness, keeping oneself away from all kinds of worldly thoughts and emotions. While it is given officially the bishop prays: "Gird your servant, my Lord, with the thread of chastity that he persist in Your ministry with wholeness and sanctity forever" (Ktaba d'Takse..., p.111).

Urara [Latin Tradition: Stole]: Urara is the special humeral vestment worn by bishops and priests in the neck in such a way that its both ends extend beyond the knees in front. The deacons wear on the left shoulder in such a way that its ends fall to the back and front. The sub-deacons wear it around their neck that its ends fall to the back and front on the left shoulder. This sacred vestment is the symbol of ministerial priesthood, namely, the divine authorization to act in the name of God for the people (The Stole in the Latin tradition symbolizes exactly the same: "It is a mark of authority that the bishops, priests, and deacons wear in the exercise of these liturgical functions": J.P.LANG, Dictionary..., p.600). When this vestment is given first the bishop prays thus: "Our Lord and our God, illumine this Your servant with the light of holiness and enlighten his soul with the glittering works of sanctity" (Ktaba d'takse..., p.136).

Zande [Latin Tradition: Maniple (cf. J.P.LANG, Dictionary..., p.380)]: This Syriac word means gloves or hand- cuffs. They are worn to keep the handcuffs of the Kottina in order. Any particular symbolism is not yet known.

Paina [Latin Tradition: Chasuble]: Paina is the outermost liturgical vestment that the priests put on. In shape it is similar to the cope or choir dress in the Latin tradition. Paina is a Greek term and the corresponding Syriac word is Gulta. Paina or Gulta is the garment of justice. The bishop while giving it to the candidate prays thus: "Let our Lord and our God put on you the garment of justice that you may please Him all through your life on earth by serving Him sincerely, nobly and holily. Amen" (Ktaba d'Takse..., p.159). It proclaims the fact that a priest is the fount and source of all kinds of virtues (Chasuble in the Latin tradition is the "liturgical outer garment used primarily for the celebration of Mass. ... This garment is the distinctive sign of the priestly office, symbolizing Christ's yoke", see J.P.LANG, Dictionary..., pp.98-99). Historically Paina appears to be the outer garment of shepherds. Thus it proclaims the pastoral duty of a priest as well.


Soseppa [Latin Tradition: Chalice Veil] (cf. J.P.LANG, Dictionary..., p.96): Sosappa is a square shaped linen vestment with a Mar Toma Sliba in the middle, made out of the same stuff as that of the Paina. It is big enough to cover the paten and chalice together. It is used in the liturgy as the symbol of the tombstone of our Lord Jesus and as the kerchief with which His head was covered during burial (Jn 20,7).

We were trying to explain a few of the symbols used in the liturgy of the Syro-Malabar Church. Only when the faithful are thoroughly familiar with the significance of the symbols, can they have a real liturgical experience. The Syro-Malabar Church as an Eastern one is far behind the expectations in this regard.