1. On the Need for Roman Approval
In my openion, it is not necessary to seek approval from Rome for every single liturgical or ecclesiastical matter. The Syro-Malabar Church is an autonomous (sui iuris) Eastern Catholic Church with apostolic succession and a history dating back 2000 years. In fact, the tradition of the Mar Thoma Nasranis of India predates the Roman tradition by about 400 years. Our identity is rooted in the East Syriac tradition, and our liturgical and spiritual heritage deserves preservation and respect.
2. On the Importance of Order and Unity
However, asserting independence without a structured approach can lead to confusion, heresies, theological conflicts, and even schisms. Therefore, any restoration or introduction of practices must be conducted through proper, official, and ecclesiastically approved channels. This ensures unity, clarity, and doctrinal integrity within the Church.
3. On the Use of Leavened Bread
The use of leavened bread in the Holy Qurbana is not a foreign or heretical practice; it is a longstanding tradition in several Eastern Catholic Churches, including Greek, Alexandrian, and Antiochene rites. Rome has already approved its usage. In fact, one of our own restored taksas (liturgical anaphoras) permits the use of leavened bread alongside unleavened bread, which became standard in the Syro-Malabar Church after the Synod of Diamper. Hence, there is precedent and approval for this practice within the Catholic communion.
4. On the Holy Malka in the East Syriac Tradition
The unique aspect of the East Syriac tradition is not merely the use of leavened bread, but the legend of the Apostolic origin and continuous preservation of the Holy Malka. This is primarily a matter of how the Holy Leaven is prepared and maintained — a domain that may not require direct Roman oversight. As an analogy: while Rome can mandate the use of unleavened bread, it does not dictate the brand of wheat, agricultural methods, or baking tools used. Similarly, the preparation and transmission of the Holy Malka are matters of local tradition and heritage, not necessarily subjects of Roman regulation.
In Summary:
The use of Holy Leaven in the Qurbana is a legitimate and approved practice within the Catholic Church, already in use among several Eastern Churches and allowed within the Syro-Malabar context.
