MAR THOMA SLIBA

There are many kinds of crosses in Christian world. The Mar Thoma Sliba (St.Thomas Cross), Greek Sliba, Latin Sliba, Patriarchal Sliba, Papal Sliba, Calvary Sliba, Russian Sliba, Celtic Sliba, Sliba of Triumph, Tau Sliba etc are some of them. It is according to the meaning given to a Sliba that it assumes a particular name, qualification and form. Although all kinds of crosses are acceptable and venerable in the universal Church, some Apostolic Churches use their own forms of the cross. Mar Thoma Nazranees have always the Sliba which has been designed according to their own theology. It is known as Mar Thoma Sliba.

The Syriac word Mar Sliba means ‘one who is crucified or the Risen Lord’, i.e.; the one who has accomplished human salvation through the death on the cross and the victorious resurrection. Many ancient documents testify that Mar Thoma Sliba was venerated in all the churches and chapels of St. Thomas Christians. Those who hold that there existed no Mar Thoma Sliba but only the simple Cross in the pre-Diamber period should listen to what Antonio de Gouvea, a Portuguese historian, says about Mar Thoma Sliba in 1606:

“….the old churches were all built in pagoda fashion, but all, full of Crosses like those of St. Thomas miracle cross (at Mylapore) which is called St.Thomas Cross. Hence one can see how much older than Portuguese time is the veneration, love and shape of this cross. For the ancient churches built before, long before the coming of the Portuguese, were all ornamented with them, both painted and graven….”

The Mar Thoma Sliba is the dynamic symbol of the death and resurrection of Iso Misiha in the Indian context. It proclaims the Theological, Christologoical, Pneumatological and Ecclesiological dimensions and specifications of Christian faith.

The Sliba without the figure of the Lord reveals fully the mystery of salvation. It reveals the three divine persons of the Holy Trinity, the work of creation by the Father, redemption by the Son, sanctification by the Holy Spirit, the Church which is the continuation of Christ, the Word of God which builds up the Church, the sacraments which are the acts of the Church and the final glorification of the Church.

Mar Thoma Sliba is an empty cross, namely, the cross without the dying figure of Iso Misiha. In imitation of the empty tomb, this empty Sliba symbolizes the resurrection of Iso Misiha.

The four tips of this Sliba are designed like blooming buds. A bud is always a symbol of new life. New life is restored to man in Jesus’ resurrection. Thus the shape of this Sliba itself proclaims the resurrection of Iso Misiha.

The Holy Spirit that descends upon the Mar Thoma Sliba is yet another symbol of resurrection. As St.Paul teaches, the Holy Spirit transforms Jesus’ flesh-body into Spirit body and thus quickens the dead Jesus Christ (Rom 8,11).

According to several scholars, this particular Sliba is erected upon a lotus. The lotus symbolizing Buddhism and the Sliba over it shows that Christianity was established in the land of the Buddha. The lotus flower in which the Sliba is situated can be understood as a cultural integration from Buddhism. Thus the Sliba erected on a lotus, is a living symbol of faith in the risen Lord, established in India.

The lotus in the Mar Thoma Sliba rests upon three steps. The symbolism of steps or ladders is evolved in Christianity in connection with biblical (Gen 28,12) and liturgical traditions. The three steps signify either heaven or Calvary.

What is the situation of the Syro Malabarians today ?