Barekmor

Barekmor is a word heard repeatedly in our worship. Barekmor is literally "Bless" (Barek) , "O Lord" (Mor).

Barek is a Syriac word which simply means Bless. Mor is syriac title for a Male figure, similar to Mister or Lord in English. In Malankara when used alone Mor is often pronounced and written as Mar (this is due to East Syrian Influence). Mor (or Mar) is used in front of Saints and Bishops (ex. Mar Thoma, Mar Barnabas, etc.) It can also be used to refer to Jesus Christ since he is The Lord. For example we might be familiar with the prayer "Moran Yesu Mesiha" which just means "Our Lord Jesus Christ".

Generally speaking Barekmor is used in two ways in the liturgy:

1. Asking for permission/seeking blessing to do something. For example when a reader/acolyte reads a prayer he will say Barekmor first to signify that he is asking for blessing to be able to read from the priests/bishops present. This is why priests will say Barekmor before reading in presence of a bishop or senior priest. Similarly in Syrian tradition when we see a bishop or priest we can greet them by saying Barekmor. To which the clergyman will say "Aloho n' Barek" (God Bless).

2. Asking for someone to bless us with a prayer or praise. In many songs we will break the song up with a Barekmor. The priest/ bishop will respond to this by saying "Glory be to the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit". Similarly in the Kauma there is a Barekmor before the Lord's Prayer. Also before something is blessed we say "Barekmor" to which celebrant responds with "This Child/House/Car is blessed In the Name of the Father..."

In one sense both reasons are to ask for a blessing.

(Source: Rev. Fr. Sujit Thomas)