The Quarterly Journal of St. Philaret’s Institute

The article deals with the new approach to adult faith formation in the Syriac Maronite Catholic Church, linked to the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and the process of delatinization of the Maronite Church which followed. The development of Syriac studies in the mid-20th and early 21st cent. helped the Maronite Church community to better recognize itself as part of the Syriac spiritual tradition. The article examines the main directions of transformation in the liturgical practice of the Maronite Church, which have influenced the transformation of the catechetical program: a new attitude towards the traditional Syriac parts of liturgy (the Ḥoosoyo) and the Lectionary, a revival of interest in Syriac-Maronite icons and hymnody. Of particular importance is the catechetical legacy of St. Ephrem the Syrian, who created the teaching hymns performed during the divine service. Father Anthony Salim is retired and is the Former Director of Catechesis of the Maronite Catholic Church in the USA, and has written the catechism for adults Captivated by Your Teachings. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the main practical efforts being made in the two eparchies of the Maronite Catholic Church in the USA to develop religious education and catechetical activities: various catechetical programs and meetings, conferences, training courses for clergymen, publishing of popular and academic articles on catechesis.