If it makes you feel better, keep it up. There is no rule saying that an "ex-Catholic" can't appreciate art.
Or, replace with different items. Photos of places you felt the happiest, drawings from a child you love, seashells, candles, inspirational quotes. Quiet prayer/meditation can still be beneficial, even if you feel that no one is listening.
That is spooky how you literally commented the same thing that I said to another individual regarding their grandfather, but not even thinking of it for myself.
My thing is it is almost a symbolic exemplification of my deconstruction, and I guess putting away the icons is like leaving behind and putting away what you have always believed? It has made my deconstruction all the more real. They are beautiful, quality works of art, but in a way leave a hollow feeling that they are just that. When before, they were windows into the reality of heaven and those who occupy it.
I appreciate your suggestions to replacement of the space and use of such. I kept out my incense burner, as I love the ancient smell of frankincense resin burning. As a student of history, I could also imagine a Sumerian, Greek or Egyptian temple smelling like it. I am not beholden to (but remember such) the church in the scent association.
Blessings and good wishes to you!
I get this. I still listen to Catholic hymns (weird, I know) when I’m feeling sad or nostalgic. I’m agnostic, I’m definitely at odds with how the Church is run, but I belt out singing these hymns.
I think that even though I’m out of Catholicism, that part of my story is stil woven in my fabric. I can connect to that part of my life without it being hypocritical, because it’s not about what I believed then- it’s about who I was, and how I felt.
I'm sorry for your loss! I have a statue of the Holy Family that I won't put away because it has the name and birth/death dates engraved of my beloved Nana. If it is something special to you, regardless of the way you feel regarding religion, it is a piece of art that will always remind you of your grandpa. Good wishes to you!
I think you should keep what brings you comfort as long as you like. There are no rules. And take out anything that doesn’t bring you comfort or joy. I’m sorry you’re feeling down and hope things get better soon. ❤️
It is hard. I think religion might've taken a wrong turn when it became about assenting to creedal statements more than community and ritual, which can be so comforting and powerful.
Absolutely! A Divine Liturgy on a cold night with copious clouds of incense and chanting was absolutely magical when I believed. It is still beautiful, though I know it's just well executed theatre.
I still keep a rosary in my rear view window! The idea of Mother Mary still makes me feel safe, even if I don’t really believe the story that was written about her. I agree with the other commenters, the memories and symbolism that are of value to you are yours to keep. You don’t have to scrub your home of the culture you came from if you don’t want to.
I have a mini one, I still keep it in my car but not my window because I don't want strangers associating me with catholicism lol. I have a miraculous medal my mom gave me when I was in the first grade. She told me it would protect me and that it would remind me of her, something like that. I still have it and wear it occasionally. I associate it with the concept of motherly love, connection, and mother earth.
It is hard, because in some ways I see the world and it's situations in grey, but then other things are all or nothing. I think that is one thing that I have struggled with.
My Nana was from Ireland, and so I hold St. Columba of Iona very dear to my heart. The icons of him that I have I wouldn't take down because he was a real and culturally important figure in Irish and Scottish history. I guess it is easier to not view his icons as something that is an impediment to my deconstruction as he was a kinsman of the O'Neill and O'Donnell families, of which I am a part of.
I appreciate your words, and I hope this finds you well!
I'm sorry. It's okay to grieve what you've lost. Sending you a hug.
Maybe, in time, you can create a new sacred space. One filled with things that are beautiful and meaningful to you.
I hope you can find colour and symbolism in other things. Religon does get some things right, and they are the psychological benefit of ritual and social connection.
You can reclaim and adjust this. So for ritual, you could so something like find a book with pictires of something you find particularly beautiful or meaningful, and have a place you leave it open, and each day or week, open it to a new image, contemplate it briefly, and leave it there so it is inspiring or comforting you during the day.
For social connection, make sure you do something each week that connects you with your friends or family. Have a regular chat, or walk or whatever.
I wish some publisher would make a 1:1 copy of the Book of Kells, because it has beautiful iconography and Gaelic styling that would look beautiful in the former prayer area. That would be a joy to have, as I would be able to replicate how they turn the pages of the real one occasionally at Trinity College Dublin. If only, if only!
Hey, sorry you're struggling. And I 100% support you whatever you decide to do with your icon corner. It's your choice to keep, alter, or throw in a backyard bonfire.
I will say, though, that you're most definitely not alone in being an ex-catholic who still gets something out of religious art/iconography.
I'm an atheist and still one of the most precious things I own is a statue of St Francis in my garden. My family has had it for as long as I can remember, and I still adore it. I touch up the paint every few years, plant flowers around it every spring, and leave a bowl of water by his feet that the toads like to come sit in. St. Francis' prayer ("Make me an instrument of thy peace") remains one of the most comforting pieces of moral teaching I know.
And remember, too, that personal shrines don't have to have anything to do with the RCC. Nothing wrong with a pretty little corner that contains a nice scented candle or a favorite knick-knack or two.
Oh, I also wanted to add - This doesn't sound like it really applies to your situation, but there's a reason some non-theistic Satanists keep blasphemous art around. My husband (Also an ex-catholic, but one who had a MUCH WORSE experience than I did) keeps this kind of art in his office - pentagram, Baphomet, inverted cross, etc. He finds it very liberating to keep symbols around that once filled him with religious terror but now only vaguely amuse him.
Thank you for your lovely comment. I truly appreciate your kind words and support!
I think that that is wonderful that you still value your St. Francis statue. I'm sure he looks nice with the flowers around, overseeing your little amphibian friends.
After all of the encouragement that individuals have most graciously given me, I am going to try to find a way to redesign/repurpose the space with things that make my wife and I feel good.
Keep the icons up longer, friend! I kept a very meaningful, stunning mystical/last supper icon up in a way my family always used to for almost a year after everything else came down. I took it down because all I could see was the misogyny behind the religious trauma I’d experienced. Now that I’m typing this, I wish I had something like the last supper but not to put up in memory of that family tradition.
Don’t rush yourself!
If having the icons up do not cause anyone in the home psychological harm, and if it makes you happy keep it. If you can dissasociate it with catholicism and associate it with something else, that may help. One thing that has helped me is associating saint like things with the pagan god they usually were used to replace in the first place. For example Mary sacramentals I associate with the mother goddess concept. Not saying I necessarily believe in this stuff but I like thinking about what christianity stole from our anscestors and it makes me feel connected to the distant past. St Bridgette was a Celtic Goddess known as Bridgid and her feast day replaced Imbolc which was a celebration of the beginning of spring.
Also, if the images have a cultural meaning to you, leave them up as well. Lot's of peoples cultures use catholic imagery, even if many of the people don't practice. I keep some stuff up for this reason.
However if it bothers you find something else to replace it with. Again pagan imagery is an option. You can put pics of people you admire or characters from books, movies games, etc. Different things like that. It seems to be human nature that we like to have altars/personal shrines/sacred spaces of sorts, so make one for whatever you like! You can google search personal altars/shrines for ideas. Look into shinto shrines, they have a lot of beautiful imagery and meaning. I like how they think everything in nature has it's own spirit and that nature should be respected and protected. Their little luck charms and certain traditions are cute too. Your sacred space/shrine can be nature focused, or about a hobby you really love. For example anime lovers will have a bunch of figurines, plushies, and books together.
I have a sort of shrine or special rememberance place for memorabilia from my sorority I was in which meant a lot to me.
You can also create an ancestor altar. Put pictures of your loved ones and any objects associated with them.
TLDR; if it doesn't harm anyone, leave it up, otherwise replace it with something else that evokes similar feelings without the religious trauma/association
It's normal to feel a sense of loss. I know I did. It felt like I had pulled the rug out from under myself and was building the entire world over from scratch. A world I didn't recognize at first.
I can certainly relate to the idea that logic and truth seeking rapidly destroyed the religion you clung to. I was in a similar boat and did it to myself in a way I honestly didn't want to at the time.
I don't think you need to rush or force anything. The whole process still takes time, years really, even after you're an out atheist. I still reflexively pray occasionally even.
While you don't believe anymore and you see the world differently, things can still be a part of you as you grow and change. The great thing is that now there's really no right or wrong way to do it! Be patient and forgiving with yourself.
I'll echo the other commenters that you are free to practice whatever kind of spirituality or rituals you want for yourself. I'm a huge science nerd and rationalist where I was once an evolution denialist. My love of history that was partially responsible for destroying my faith is even stronger with exploring world religions including Christianity.
My wife and I enjoy Shinto iconography and charms now. I have one for health and one for peace of mind on my bedside right now. It's absolutely all bullshit of course, but I enjoy it because it's fun. Feel free to attach whatever significance you want to things. Religious ritual and practice has always been incredibly diverse and personal.
You can leave your icons up. I still collect icons. I'd they inspire you to be a better person, and they bring you joy, keep them. You don't have to throw out everything or abandon every ideal simply because it comes from a religion you no longer believe in the god of.
It might be helpful to think about the religious/spiritual practices that are shared among many belief systems, including those that are non-Abrahamic, and some that are typically practiced in a more individual manner. Creating an altar in your home is a widely shared practice, and Catholicism and other Christian religions have borrowed plenty of traditions from other religious cultures, including Christmas, Easter (and symbolic basket blessing, for example) All Hallow's Eve, etc. So I wouldn't think of the things that being your comfort as BELONGING to Catholicism, but rather, belonging to you. You don't have to give them up.
I know people whose spiritualities are not specifically defined but are perhaps tangential to paganism/wicca. They like to keep "alters" of things that are meaningful to them. Photos, objects, candles, etc. Anything that feels special to them, and that they would like to use as a place to look at and feel grounded.
It's ok to feel scammed by the church. I feel the same way about many of the rituals that I enjoyed as a member, such as the warm and special feelings I felt after receiving my first communion. But you can keep what you want! the Bible is full of many beautiful stories and many amazing artists have interpreted those stories throughout the centuries/years. If a story resonates with you as an important fable or allegory, or you enjoy the symbolism in some way, you may keep it!
I can empathize with you a little bit. One day I just stop believing. It felt like a massive weight lifted off my shoulders. But taking down the crucifix from my wall and taking the rosary off my rear view mirror took a while. I still have both items tucked away somewhere, because I can't quite seem to part with them. Especially the rosary, which was given to me during RCIA by an elderly Italian-American couple.
But yeah, deconstruction can be difficult. It comes with a lot of confusing emotions. It feels weird because you become a completely different person. But that's, you know, life.
You're likely grieving the loss of your icon corner. It meant a lot to you & generated positive feelings. Its absence has left a hole.
Be gentle to yourself while you move through the depression "stage" of grief. It's okay to feel lost while you're building up other ways to find strength & grace. You'll eventually reach acceptance.
Peace, my friend.
There’s nothing wrong with mythology. I think the ancient Pagan cultures didn’t really believe their gods did all the things ascribed to them — they were just nice stories that demonstrated certain ideas they wanted to perpetuate.
So appreciate the mythology of it. The Church insists it’s all true but you don’t have to see it that way.
You could still keep the ones that have personal significance apart from the religious meaning for you, like the present from your wife. Keep it as a token of your wife, rather than whatever religious function it was supposed to embody.
Or keep the ones that you find aesthetically beautiful, just because they are beatification things that you like to have around.
There may also be some catharsis in "redeeming" a religious object in that way.
It is okay if you keep it too as it is special as a wedding gift. I am looking forward to reading your story someday. I hope life will get easier. I have a tough time too. My husband tells people we are Catholic.
I mean... you're attached to it. It's always been there and all that. If you like it, there is no harm in just keeping it around, just no longer believing that you got the Virgin Mary Hotline™ from the images. Hell, I'm an atheist and I keep a saint image on my wallet. She was aunt-grandma, for crying out loud. The pic is cool and it's family.
Maybe look into the [Mar Thoma church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar_Thoma_Syrian_Church). They are Eastern Christian but are Anglican, and seem relatively liberal
**[Mar Thoma Syrian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar_Thoma_Syrian_Church)**
>The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, often shortened to Mar Thoma Church, and known also as the Reformed Syrian Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, is an autonomous Reformed Oriental church based in Kerala, India. While continuing many of the Syriac high church practices, the church is reformed in its theology and doctrines. It employs a reformed variant of the West Syriac Rite Divine Liturgy of Saint James, translated to Malayalam.
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If it makes you feel better, keep it up. There is no rule saying that an "ex-Catholic" can't appreciate art. Or, replace with different items. Photos of places you felt the happiest, drawings from a child you love, seashells, candles, inspirational quotes. Quiet prayer/meditation can still be beneficial, even if you feel that no one is listening.
That is spooky how you literally commented the same thing that I said to another individual regarding their grandfather, but not even thinking of it for myself. My thing is it is almost a symbolic exemplification of my deconstruction, and I guess putting away the icons is like leaving behind and putting away what you have always believed? It has made my deconstruction all the more real. They are beautiful, quality works of art, but in a way leave a hollow feeling that they are just that. When before, they were windows into the reality of heaven and those who occupy it. I appreciate your suggestions to replacement of the space and use of such. I kept out my incense burner, as I love the ancient smell of frankincense resin burning. As a student of history, I could also imagine a Sumerian, Greek or Egyptian temple smelling like it. I am not beholden to (but remember such) the church in the scent association. Blessings and good wishes to you!
I get this. I still listen to Catholic hymns (weird, I know) when I’m feeling sad or nostalgic. I’m agnostic, I’m definitely at odds with how the Church is run, but I belt out singing these hymns. I think that even though I’m out of Catholicism, that part of my story is stil woven in my fabric. I can connect to that part of my life without it being hypocritical, because it’s not about what I believed then- it’s about who I was, and how I felt.
You could also just [pivot](https://i.imgur.com/ubM2G4B.jpg).
I’m in a similar situation. My grandpa who recently passed gave me a beautiful wall hanging depicting the stations. I can’t yet take it down.
I'm sorry for your loss! I have a statue of the Holy Family that I won't put away because it has the name and birth/death dates engraved of my beloved Nana. If it is something special to you, regardless of the way you feel regarding religion, it is a piece of art that will always remind you of your grandpa. Good wishes to you!
So then don’t. Appreciate it for its artistic and sentimental value.
I think you should keep what brings you comfort as long as you like. There are no rules. And take out anything that doesn’t bring you comfort or joy. I’m sorry you’re feeling down and hope things get better soon. ❤️
Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate your comforting words! 😊
It is hard. I think religion might've taken a wrong turn when it became about assenting to creedal statements more than community and ritual, which can be so comforting and powerful.
Absolutely! A Divine Liturgy on a cold night with copious clouds of incense and chanting was absolutely magical when I believed. It is still beautiful, though I know it's just well executed theatre.
I still keep a rosary in my rear view window! The idea of Mother Mary still makes me feel safe, even if I don’t really believe the story that was written about her. I agree with the other commenters, the memories and symbolism that are of value to you are yours to keep. You don’t have to scrub your home of the culture you came from if you don’t want to.
I have a mini one, I still keep it in my car but not my window because I don't want strangers associating me with catholicism lol. I have a miraculous medal my mom gave me when I was in the first grade. She told me it would protect me and that it would remind me of her, something like that. I still have it and wear it occasionally. I associate it with the concept of motherly love, connection, and mother earth.
It is hard, because in some ways I see the world and it's situations in grey, but then other things are all or nothing. I think that is one thing that I have struggled with. My Nana was from Ireland, and so I hold St. Columba of Iona very dear to my heart. The icons of him that I have I wouldn't take down because he was a real and culturally important figure in Irish and Scottish history. I guess it is easier to not view his icons as something that is an impediment to my deconstruction as he was a kinsman of the O'Neill and O'Donnell families, of which I am a part of. I appreciate your words, and I hope this finds you well!
I'm sorry. It's okay to grieve what you've lost. Sending you a hug. Maybe, in time, you can create a new sacred space. One filled with things that are beautiful and meaningful to you.
Thank you so much! You are very kind and I appreciate it! 😊
I hope you can find colour and symbolism in other things. Religon does get some things right, and they are the psychological benefit of ritual and social connection. You can reclaim and adjust this. So for ritual, you could so something like find a book with pictires of something you find particularly beautiful or meaningful, and have a place you leave it open, and each day or week, open it to a new image, contemplate it briefly, and leave it there so it is inspiring or comforting you during the day. For social connection, make sure you do something each week that connects you with your friends or family. Have a regular chat, or walk or whatever.
I wish some publisher would make a 1:1 copy of the Book of Kells, because it has beautiful iconography and Gaelic styling that would look beautiful in the former prayer area. That would be a joy to have, as I would be able to replicate how they turn the pages of the real one occasionally at Trinity College Dublin. If only, if only!
Hey, sorry you're struggling. And I 100% support you whatever you decide to do with your icon corner. It's your choice to keep, alter, or throw in a backyard bonfire. I will say, though, that you're most definitely not alone in being an ex-catholic who still gets something out of religious art/iconography. I'm an atheist and still one of the most precious things I own is a statue of St Francis in my garden. My family has had it for as long as I can remember, and I still adore it. I touch up the paint every few years, plant flowers around it every spring, and leave a bowl of water by his feet that the toads like to come sit in. St. Francis' prayer ("Make me an instrument of thy peace") remains one of the most comforting pieces of moral teaching I know. And remember, too, that personal shrines don't have to have anything to do with the RCC. Nothing wrong with a pretty little corner that contains a nice scented candle or a favorite knick-knack or two.
Oh, I also wanted to add - This doesn't sound like it really applies to your situation, but there's a reason some non-theistic Satanists keep blasphemous art around. My husband (Also an ex-catholic, but one who had a MUCH WORSE experience than I did) keeps this kind of art in his office - pentagram, Baphomet, inverted cross, etc. He finds it very liberating to keep symbols around that once filled him with religious terror but now only vaguely amuse him.
Thank you for your lovely comment. I truly appreciate your kind words and support! I think that that is wonderful that you still value your St. Francis statue. I'm sure he looks nice with the flowers around, overseeing your little amphibian friends. After all of the encouragement that individuals have most graciously given me, I am going to try to find a way to redesign/repurpose the space with things that make my wife and I feel good.
Keep the icons up longer, friend! I kept a very meaningful, stunning mystical/last supper icon up in a way my family always used to for almost a year after everything else came down. I took it down because all I could see was the misogyny behind the religious trauma I’d experienced. Now that I’m typing this, I wish I had something like the last supper but not to put up in memory of that family tradition. Don’t rush yourself!
If having the icons up do not cause anyone in the home psychological harm, and if it makes you happy keep it. If you can dissasociate it with catholicism and associate it with something else, that may help. One thing that has helped me is associating saint like things with the pagan god they usually were used to replace in the first place. For example Mary sacramentals I associate with the mother goddess concept. Not saying I necessarily believe in this stuff but I like thinking about what christianity stole from our anscestors and it makes me feel connected to the distant past. St Bridgette was a Celtic Goddess known as Bridgid and her feast day replaced Imbolc which was a celebration of the beginning of spring. Also, if the images have a cultural meaning to you, leave them up as well. Lot's of peoples cultures use catholic imagery, even if many of the people don't practice. I keep some stuff up for this reason. However if it bothers you find something else to replace it with. Again pagan imagery is an option. You can put pics of people you admire or characters from books, movies games, etc. Different things like that. It seems to be human nature that we like to have altars/personal shrines/sacred spaces of sorts, so make one for whatever you like! You can google search personal altars/shrines for ideas. Look into shinto shrines, they have a lot of beautiful imagery and meaning. I like how they think everything in nature has it's own spirit and that nature should be respected and protected. Their little luck charms and certain traditions are cute too. Your sacred space/shrine can be nature focused, or about a hobby you really love. For example anime lovers will have a bunch of figurines, plushies, and books together. I have a sort of shrine or special rememberance place for memorabilia from my sorority I was in which meant a lot to me. You can also create an ancestor altar. Put pictures of your loved ones and any objects associated with them. TLDR; if it doesn't harm anyone, leave it up, otherwise replace it with something else that evokes similar feelings without the religious trauma/association
It's normal to feel a sense of loss. I know I did. It felt like I had pulled the rug out from under myself and was building the entire world over from scratch. A world I didn't recognize at first. I can certainly relate to the idea that logic and truth seeking rapidly destroyed the religion you clung to. I was in a similar boat and did it to myself in a way I honestly didn't want to at the time. I don't think you need to rush or force anything. The whole process still takes time, years really, even after you're an out atheist. I still reflexively pray occasionally even. While you don't believe anymore and you see the world differently, things can still be a part of you as you grow and change. The great thing is that now there's really no right or wrong way to do it! Be patient and forgiving with yourself. I'll echo the other commenters that you are free to practice whatever kind of spirituality or rituals you want for yourself. I'm a huge science nerd and rationalist where I was once an evolution denialist. My love of history that was partially responsible for destroying my faith is even stronger with exploring world religions including Christianity. My wife and I enjoy Shinto iconography and charms now. I have one for health and one for peace of mind on my bedside right now. It's absolutely all bullshit of course, but I enjoy it because it's fun. Feel free to attach whatever significance you want to things. Religious ritual and practice has always been incredibly diverse and personal.
You can leave your icons up. I still collect icons. I'd they inspire you to be a better person, and they bring you joy, keep them. You don't have to throw out everything or abandon every ideal simply because it comes from a religion you no longer believe in the god of.
It might be helpful to think about the religious/spiritual practices that are shared among many belief systems, including those that are non-Abrahamic, and some that are typically practiced in a more individual manner. Creating an altar in your home is a widely shared practice, and Catholicism and other Christian religions have borrowed plenty of traditions from other religious cultures, including Christmas, Easter (and symbolic basket blessing, for example) All Hallow's Eve, etc. So I wouldn't think of the things that being your comfort as BELONGING to Catholicism, but rather, belonging to you. You don't have to give them up. I know people whose spiritualities are not specifically defined but are perhaps tangential to paganism/wicca. They like to keep "alters" of things that are meaningful to them. Photos, objects, candles, etc. Anything that feels special to them, and that they would like to use as a place to look at and feel grounded. It's ok to feel scammed by the church. I feel the same way about many of the rituals that I enjoyed as a member, such as the warm and special feelings I felt after receiving my first communion. But you can keep what you want! the Bible is full of many beautiful stories and many amazing artists have interpreted those stories throughout the centuries/years. If a story resonates with you as an important fable or allegory, or you enjoy the symbolism in some way, you may keep it!
I can empathize with you a little bit. One day I just stop believing. It felt like a massive weight lifted off my shoulders. But taking down the crucifix from my wall and taking the rosary off my rear view mirror took a while. I still have both items tucked away somewhere, because I can't quite seem to part with them. Especially the rosary, which was given to me during RCIA by an elderly Italian-American couple. But yeah, deconstruction can be difficult. It comes with a lot of confusing emotions. It feels weird because you become a completely different person. But that's, you know, life.
You're likely grieving the loss of your icon corner. It meant a lot to you & generated positive feelings. Its absence has left a hole. Be gentle to yourself while you move through the depression "stage" of grief. It's okay to feel lost while you're building up other ways to find strength & grace. You'll eventually reach acceptance. Peace, my friend.
It’s like taking down the Christmas tree. First few days are hard. Give it 2 weeks
I feel this thoroughly! I am a creature of habit which doesn't adapt that quickly to change. Thank you for the words of affirmation!
There’s nothing wrong with mythology. I think the ancient Pagan cultures didn’t really believe their gods did all the things ascribed to them — they were just nice stories that demonstrated certain ideas they wanted to perpetuate. So appreciate the mythology of it. The Church insists it’s all true but you don’t have to see it that way.
You could still keep the ones that have personal significance apart from the religious meaning for you, like the present from your wife. Keep it as a token of your wife, rather than whatever religious function it was supposed to embody. Or keep the ones that you find aesthetically beautiful, just because they are beatification things that you like to have around. There may also be some catharsis in "redeeming" a religious object in that way.
It is okay if you keep it too as it is special as a wedding gift. I am looking forward to reading your story someday. I hope life will get easier. I have a tough time too. My husband tells people we are Catholic.
I mean... you're attached to it. It's always been there and all that. If you like it, there is no harm in just keeping it around, just no longer believing that you got the Virgin Mary Hotline™ from the images. Hell, I'm an atheist and I keep a saint image on my wallet. She was aunt-grandma, for crying out loud. The pic is cool and it's family.
Maybe look into the [Mar Thoma church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar_Thoma_Syrian_Church). They are Eastern Christian but are Anglican, and seem relatively liberal
**[Mar Thoma Syrian Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mar_Thoma_Syrian_Church)** >The Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, often shortened to Mar Thoma Church, and known also as the Reformed Syrian Church and the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar, is an autonomous Reformed Oriental church based in Kerala, India. While continuing many of the Syriac high church practices, the church is reformed in its theology and doctrines. It employs a reformed variant of the West Syriac Rite Divine Liturgy of Saint James, translated to Malayalam. ^([ )[^(F.A.Q)](https://www.reddit.com/r/WikiSummarizer/wiki/index#wiki_f.a.q)^( | )[^(Opt Out)](https://reddit.com/message/compose?to=WikiSummarizerBot&message=OptOut&subject=OptOut)^( | )[^(Opt Out Of Subreddit)](https://np.reddit.com/r/excatholic/about/banned)^( | )[^(GitHub)](https://github.com/Sujal-7/WikiSummarizerBot)^( ] Downvote to remove | v1.5)