Shubqono – The Service of Reconciliation at St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia – March 2024 The faithful of St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane, gathered in spiritual unity to observe Shubqono – The Service of Reconciliation, led by Rev. Fr. Bristo Babu and Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel. This deeply significant service brought the congregation together in humility, forgiveness, and renewed commitment to spiritual growth as they prepared for the Lenten season.

The Shubqono service, rooted in the Syriac Orthodox tradition, is a call for mutual reconciliation among believers, reminding them of Christ’s command to forgive one another before seeking forgiveness from God. The solemn yet uplifting service was attended by a large number of faithful, who participated with devotion and reflection.

• The service began with prayers and hymns, invoking God's mercy and grace.
• The recitation of Psalm 51 (Miserere Mei) emphasized repentance and the need for divine forgiveness.
• Liturgical hymns and prayers focusing on love, peace, and reconciliation were chanted in both Malayalam and English.
• The Gospel reading (Matthew 18:18-35) highlighted Christ’s teaching on forgiveness and mercy.
• In the most moving part of the service, the priests and the congregation prostrated before one another, asking for forgiveness, embodying the true spirit of humility and reconciliation.
• The service concluded with the Nicene Creed, Forty Prostrations, and prayers for the intercession of the Mother of God and the Saints, seeking their guidance for a blessed Lenten journey.

Speaking at the service, Rev. Fr. Bristo Babu emphasized the importance of love and forgiveness in Christian life, encouraging the faithful to cleanse their hearts of resentment and prepare for Great Lent with true repentance. Rev. Fr. Liju Samuel echoed this message, reminding the congregation that reconciliation with one another brings them closer to God.

The Shubqono service at St. George Indian Orthodox Church, Brisbane, was a spiritually enriching experience for all attendees, setting the tone for the holy season of Great Lent. The congregation left the church with a renewed sense of peace, unity, and commitment to their faith.

Shubqono, which means “forgiveness” in Syriac, is an important tradition in the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It symbolizes the reconciliation of the faithful with one another and with God, following Christ’s command to love and forgive. This ancient liturgical tradition serves as a reminder that the Lenten journey is not just about fasting but also about spiritual renewal through love, humility, and mercy.