Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Hootomo - the Concluding Prayers of An Office

The Hootomo, or conclusion, is the very last part of the office. This is said at the conclusion of every office. One thing that the version I translated makes clear is that the Syriac offices were written to be prayed in community with at least one priest.

The set of prayers begin with an invocation of God's mercy, as well as praise. The presider then gives the greeting (peace be with you) and it is returned by the congregation or monks - it should be noted that in the Syriac tradition only an ordained priest can give the greeting of peace and is obviously omitted if a priest is not present (no, not even deacons should give the blessing).

Following the greeting, hierarchs are commemorated such as the Pope, Patriarch and local bishop. If you are wondering what Mor is in my translation, it is the title used to refer to an episcopate or a male  saint meaning lord (a special form of this noun is reserved for God Himself, written Moryo). Lastly, everyone is commemorated in the locality. It should be noted the constant pleading for God to grant rest to the departed. Syriac theology, especially traditional Maronite liturgical texts, constantly invoke God to have mercy upon the departed.

And so concludes the office. Next I will be downloading the offices I've translated for the 9th hour (i.e. 3PM).

Hootomo Prayers

Our Lord, accept our service, our prayers, come to our aid and have mercy on us!

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