What is the traditional language of the Maronite Rite?
The Maronite Rite (liturgical tradition) first used two languages: Syriac and Greek. This was because in the parent city of the Tradition, Antioch, those that followed the Hellenistic culture of the Roman Empire spoke Greek. Those from the areas east of Antioch used Syriac. An obvious remnant of this is found in the Divine Liturgy with the chanting of Kyrie, eleison (Lord, have mercy!) after the Epiklesis. Those who know something of Syriac also realize that the later development of the language adopted more Greek terms, incorporating them into the Syriac language. Proemion is a good example. (CYT, p.
