ORIENTAL USAGE IN THIS MATTER

The ancient custom of concelebrating is yet in use with nearly all the Oriental churches. Wherever the Greek rite prevails it is strictly observed; and Badger tells us that it is common with the Nestorians (Nestorians and their Rituals, i. p. 286). That the custom is also in vogue with the Maronites we see from their liturgy and liturgical customs. Goar tells us (Euchol., p. 299) that whenever the patriarch celebrates a Mass of this kind he is attended by several bishops and priests, who celebrate and communicate with him. When the bishop is the celebrant all the priests who are present assist him, and the same is done when the celebrant is a protopope. All this, however, applies only to the greater festivals of the year; on ordinary occasions this display is dispensed with.