Do Maronites still use Syriac and Greek today?
Both Syriac and Greek were once the common languages of the Maronites (and other Christians too). The everyday language of a community is called the vernacular. As the centuries progressed and as other languages became the vernaculars of the Maronites in their homeland down through the ages; and as they moved to other parts of the world, the local vernacular was used in Maronite worship. However, since Syriac took on a certain priority of place in the liturgical tradition, Syriac has never ceased to be at least partially used. Today, the Patriarch has affirmed this use of the vernacular in the Introduction to the latest version of the Maronite Qoorbono (Divine Liturgy). But he has also mandated that at least the Hymn of the Trisagion (Liturgy of the Word) and the Words of the Institution of the Last Supper (in the Anaphora) be still the minimum that is to be chanted in Syriac. More may be used by the Celebrant and Congregation if desired.
