Islam

Islam originated in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia where a young merchant by the name of Muḥammad (c. 570-632) proclaimed the oneness of God and his call to all humanity to submit to him. From its Arab roots it spread its branches across different cultures from the Far East to North and Sub-Saharan Africa. There are over one billion Muslims in the world forming an immense community without an apparent structure, making Islam a highly diverse community. Islam is considered by Muslims as the pact (mītāq) that took place at the dawn of time, at the moment of creation, and through which God established humanity in a right relation with other creatures and with himself (Q.7:172-173). This pact was periodically broken by humanity and re-established by God who sent down the book of his word to the prophets/messengers, from Abraham to Moses – from Jesus to Muḥammad,.
Muslims believe that the revelation given to Muḥammad takes up in all its purity the primordial covenant, which goes beyond Judaism and Christianity, and marks the birth of the last community, which will never fall into error.

Presence in Malta

Muslim presence in Malta dates back to the island’s occupation by the Aghlabid dynasty in 870. Islam remained dominant till 1091 when the Maltese Islands were captured by the Normans and a process of re-Christianization followed. Muslims appear again during the rule of the Knights of the Order of St John Hospitaller (1530-1798). Most of them were slaves in captivity or semi-captivity who worked on various projects undertaken by the Order. During this period it appears that they had at least two places of worship, one in Marsa and another one in Valletta.
In the 1970s Muslim presence re-emerged due to the political and economic ties forged by the then Labour government with numerous Arab countries, especially with Libya. This led to the establishment of a permanent Muslim community in Malta by way of projects including a mosque, an Islamic Centre, as well as a Muslim school which caters for primary education. Added to this is the presence of migrants from North and Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East who are predominantly Muslim. The present number of Muslims in Malta
ranges between fifteen and twenty thousand, most of whom belong to the Sunni tradition.

Places of Worship

Mariam Al-Batool Mosque
Telgħa ta’ Kordin, Paola PLA 9037

Al-Fateh Mosque
Floriana

Other prayer spaces may be found in Bugibba, San Gwann, Hamrun, Marsa, and Victoria, Gozo.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, or Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is a Muslim community that has been present in Malta since 2009. The Ahmadiyya community originates in 19th century British India, in Punjab, but now has adherents in over 200 countries worldwide. Ahmadiyya Muslims adhere to the Six Articles of Islamic Faith and the Five Pillars of Islam, like all other Muslims – so all the preceding questions are equally valid for Ahmadiyya Muslims; however, this community is distinguished by the belief in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, whom they hold to be the promised Mahdi (Hidden One) and Messiah foretold by the Prophet Muhammed in the Qur’an, a view not shared by Muslims of other denominations. The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Malta is far smaller than the ‘mainstream’ Sunni community, so if any doubts arise about procedures and etiquette concerning the community, simply make respectful and discreet enquiries through the contact details below:

Contact Information

• Website: www.Ahmadiyya.mt
• Email: amjmalta@gmail.com

The Bahá’í Faith

The Bahá’í Faith was founded in 1844 in Shiráz, Persia (now Iran). The Bahá’í Faith emphasizes the spiritual unity of mankind demonstrated through three core principles, the unity of God, the unity of religion and the unity of humanity. Bahá’ís believe that God grants man the gift of divine revelation through His Manifestations, (often identified as ‘Prophets’ or ‘Messengers’ in other traditions) personages capable of fully reflecting the divine attributes of God into this physical world. These Manifestations bring the teaching and instruction necessary for humanity to fulfill its divinely instated purpose, that of moving towards knowing and loving God.
There are currently between 6 and 7 million Bahá’ís around the world, across over 200 countries. In Iran, where the Bahá’í Faith originated, there are now about 300,000 Bahá’ís, constituting the largest religious minority in that country.

Presence in Malta

The first Bahá’í pioneer to visit Malta was Ms. Una Townshend-Dean in October 1953. The first local declarations to the Faith took place in 1972, as did the first Bahá’í wedding in the country. The first Spiritual Assembly of Malta was elected in 1973. The community currently has one Administrative Committee and one Spiritual Assembly that tend to the needs of about 40 believers. The Bahá’í Community of Malta hosts believers of diverse backgrounds. Past and present members include people of Maltese, Italian, Persian, French, American, Latvian, Hungarian, Irish, British and Brazilian background. Bahá’ís in Malta often meet in their homes to pray together and celebrate Holy Days. For larger events, diverse venues around Malta and Gozo are rented for the occasion.

Contact Information

• Bahá’í Centre: 50, Old Hospital Street, Valletta.
• Website: bahai.org.mt
• Email: info@bahaimalta.org

Buddhism

Origin

The founder of Buddhism in this age and world is called Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha Shakyamuni. The Buddha (the word Buddha means “the awakened one”) was born in 961 BCE 1 in a kingdom near the Himalaya Mountains.

The teaching of the Buddha

Basic Tenets

The Buddha said: “I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. s aThat’ll I teach”.
The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism contain the essence of the Buddha’s teachings:

1. The truth of suffering.
2. The truth of the origin of suffering.
3. The truth of the cessation of suffering.
4. The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering

The Buddha is often compared to a physician. In the first two Noble Truths he diagnosed the problem (suffering) and identified its cause. The third Noble Truth is the realisation that there is a cure. In the fourth Noble Truth, the Buddha prescribes the cure necessary to achieve release from suffering through the Eightfold Path. The tenets of the Eightfold Path guide the lives of Buddhists around the world.

• Right understanding.
• Right thought.
• Right speech.
• Right conduct.
• Right means of making a living.
• Right mental attitude or effort.
• Right mindfulness.
• Right meditation (Samadhi).

The Buddha teaches: “To cease from evil, to do good, and to pacify our mind”.

One of the main prayers

May all beings be happy and create the causes of happiness.
May they all be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May they never be without that sacred happiness which has no suffering.
May they attain universal impartial compassion beyond worldly bias towards friends or enemies.

Hinduism

Introduction

The roots of Hindu culture can be traced back at least 5000 years to the collection of ancient Indian traditions and practices originating in the territory of present-day Pakistan and North Western India.  Today there are roughly a billion or so Hindus world-wide.
The term Hinduism is derived from the word for India in Hindi.  There are countless local cults and a great many traditions of worship and belief besides the six orthodox schools.
Hinduism recognizes no single founder and has no single authoritative book, though there is a canon of texts that are referred to throughout.  Very little attention is paid to historical detail and its followers are always advised to place trust in the Eternal, the Absolute called Brahman.  As a consequence, there is no fixed code of beliefs.  The philosophical-religious language used is Sanskrit.

Reincarnation

Hindus believe in the supreme Brahman, and that all living beings have a soul, Atman, and every one of them has the potential to merge and connect with the Supreme Absolute using its own efforts by the grace of incarnation.
Hindu practice ultimately endeavours to assist the being to break away from all confinements, even the human form, to re-establish the unity with the one self, Brahman, of all. This immortal and limitless situation is final, permanent and free from sorrow, fear and the fragmentary conditions of man’s existence.
One major misconception about Hinduism is that it is polytheistic.  Many deities are revered because the one Absolute is deemed to take as many different forms as are made manifest in creation. Idols are not necessarily worshipped but may feature in the devotional life of a Hindu individual or community.
Festivals are celebrated throughout the year.  The major Indian festivals are:

• Maha Sivaratri (Feb/Mar) is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, observed by fast and worship of Lord Shiva.
• Holi is the Spring festival of colours.
• Ram Navami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Rama.
• Janmashtami is the day of the birth of Lord Krishna.
• Navaratri (some call it Durga Puja). Different aspects of the goddess representing Shakti, power, are celebrated for the triumph of good over evil around harvest time in Autumn (Oct).
• Divali is the festival of light. Celebration is for the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile.

In Brief – Religious and Cultural Practices

Family – Hindus are very family-oriented people and tend to stay very close to their families, even the extended family.  The eldest in the family is highly respected by all the other members.  They are usually patriarchal families.  A man is usually the head of family although women are respected.  One’s own mother is revered by everyone and holds a special place in their heart.  They tend to take care of old members of the family.  They tend not to want to keep old parents in old people’s homes.

Food – Most Hindus are vegetarians and may also abstain from eating eggs.  Some eat non-vegetarian food but not beef. The cow is considered to be sacred.

Greetings – They greet each other by saying Namaste and folding hands together.  It means they bow to the essence of the divine, or the deity, in another person.  Some would show respect by touching their feet if they are older.  They do not do hand-shake or kiss when meeting other persons.

Dress – Women wear saris and married women wear a kumkum on the forehead: a red dot in the centre between the two eye-brows.

Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian church in Malta with 92% of the population claiming to be Catholic. The Catholic Church traces its origins back to the arrival of St. Paul on the islands in around 60 AD. The Maltese culture is strongly intertwined with the Catholic one, with the Church still bearing a strong voice in Maltese society.

Major festivities in Malta
Besides Christmas and Easter:
10 February – Feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul
19 March –  Feast of St Joseph
Pentecost – 50 days after Easter
15 August- Assumption of St Mary (known as Santa Marija
08 September – Nativity of Our Lady
08 December – Immaculate Conception of Our Lady

Coptic Orthodox Church of Malta

General Introduction

Coptic Christians are an ethnoreligious group native to North-East Africa, primarily concentrated in the province of modern Egypt, where they are the country’s largest Christian community. Although most Copts live in Egypt, the Coptic Church has about a million members outside of Egypt.

Main Traditions and Feasts

• The Nativity of Christ (Christmas) – January 7
• The Epiphany or the Baptism of Christ on Tobah 11 – January 19
• The Annunciation – April 7
• Palm Sunday – Date varies from year to year
• Easter – Date varies from year to year
• Glorious Feast of the Resurrection – Date varies from year to year
• Ascension – 40 Days after Easter
• Pentecost – 50 Days after Easter

Signs and Symbols

All Coptic Churches face East so that the community meets the East during worship. The sanctuary, where the altar is located in the church, it is separated from the nave by the iconostasis, which is an iconic display. Only priests and deacons who help in the service are permitted through the iconostasis. Coptic Cross is the primary sign of the Copts’ faith and pride.

Sacraments (Sacred Mysteries)

In Coptic Church, Sacraments are called holy acts from which Christians obtain intangible protection, from means of tangible or external signs and elements.
The Sacraments of Coptic Church are:

• Baptism
• Chrismation (anointment with holy oil)
• Confession
• Holy Communion
• Matrimony
• Holy Orders (Ordination)
• Unction (anointment of the sick)

Contact Information

• Church: Coptic Orthodox Church of Malta, Hal Mula Convent and Church, Triq Hal Mula, Zebbug.
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/Coptic-orthodox-church-malta-765474877186527/

Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Churches

Introduction

Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christians in Malta number around 1500. The Church counts among its members 20 chanters and 13 deacons. It is currently led by the priest Hayle Assemu Solomon.

Basic structure and doctrinal tenets

The Holy Bible is the doctrinal tenet of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox  Church. Ethiopian and Eritrean Christians in Malta fall within the authority of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church based in Germany.

According to the ecclesiastical order of the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Church, priests are allowed to marry. A priest may have only one wife.

Brief history of presence in Malta

The first Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christians arrived in 2006. They were first housed in detention centres, camps and open centres. Liturgy was celebrated in houses. As from 2007, with the help of the Migrants’ Commission, Sunday liturgy has been celebrated at St James Church in Valletta.

Major festivities

Christmas – 7th January
Baptism of Jesus Christ:  January 19th/20th
Good Friday – Varies by year
Easter Sunday – Varies by year
New Year – 11th/12th September

Contact Information

• Church: St James Church 227 Merchants Street, Valletta.
• Parish Priest’s residence: 55 Old Hospital Street, Valletta.

Romanian Orthodox Church

General Introduction

The Romanian Orthodox Church is the community of Orthodox Christians, clergy, monks and laypeople inside and outside the frontiers of Romania.

Main Traditions and Feasts

The patron saint of the Romanian Orthodox Church is St Andrew the Apostle. His feast is celebrated on the 30^th of November.
The Romanian Orthodox Church celebrates the following feasts:

• The birth of Jesus Christ (25 December).
• The baptism of Jesus Christ (6 January).
• Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, followed by Easter Sunday
• The Assumption of Holy Mary.
• Other holy days such as the feast of St John the Baptist (the patron saint of the parish in Malta), SS Peter and Paul, the Lent of the Assumption of the Holy Mary, the Lent of Christmas.

The beginning of the ecclesiastical year falls on the 1^st of September

Signs and Symbols

The sign of the Holy Cross is performed by placing together the first three fingers of the right hand and proclaiming the words: “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!”. Symbols include:

• Holy icons representing Holy Mary, the Holy Trinity, and our Saints.
• Frescos or mosaics decorating the interior walls of churches which portray various scenes from Biblical accounts and the lives of the saints.
• Wooden iconostasis, the screen that separates the altar from the rest of the church.

Structures of Authority

The Birth of St John the Baptist Romanian Orthodox Church in Malta is organized as follows: Parish Priest – Parish Council – Secretary – Parishioners.

History of the Romanian Orthodox Church in Malta

The Parish Church dedicated to The Birth of St John the Baptist was legally established on the 7^th of April 2014 with the approval of P. S. Siluan, Bishop of Italy and Malta.
The church wherein the community worships is dedicated to St Rocco and is located in St Ursula Street, Valletta.
Church services do not cater only for the Romanian community, but also to the Moldavian community which is showing signs of growth in the Orthodox Christian life in Malta.

Contact Information

• Parish Church: St Rocco Church, St Ursula Street, Valletta.
• Website: http://www.parohia-ortodoxa-romana-nasterea-sf-ioan-botezatorul-malta.org/
• Email address: malta@mitropolia.eu

Greek Orthodox Church

Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Malta

General Introduction

The Greek Orthodox Church is part of the body of several Orthodox Churches within the broader communion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Orthodox Church incarnates and communicates the rich spiritual resources of Eastern Christianity.

Main Traditions and Feasts

• Nativity of the Theotokos – September 8
• Exaltation of the Holy Cross – September 14
• Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple – November 21
• Christmas (Nativity of Jesus Christ) – December 25
• Epiphany (Baptism of Christ) – January 6
• Presentation of Christ in the Temple – February 2
• Annunciation (Evangelismos) – March 25
• EASTER (Pascha) – Date varies from year to year
• Ascension – 40 Days after Easter
• Pentecost – 50 Days after Easter
• Transfiguration of Christ – August 6
• Dormition of the Theotokos (Kimissis) – August 15

Signs and Symbols

Icons are of great significance for Orthodox Christians. Orthodox Christians use icons as both a form of prayer and a means to worship.
Orthodox Christians perform the sign of the Holy Cross by placing together the first three fingers of the right hand and saying the words: “In the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen!”.
In the majority of Orthodox churches, the altar or sanctuary is divided by a solid curtain from the main body of the congregation (known as iconostasis) penetrated by three doors, the one in the middle being known as the Holy Door. Icons of the Christ and the Mother of God (Theotokos) decorate each side doors of the Holy Door at the iconostasis.

Sacraments (Sacred Mysteries)

The Sacraments in the Orthodox Church are seven. They are the tangible means by which the divine blessing of the Holy Spirit is poured upon people.

Four of the Sacraments are mandatory:

• Baptism
• Chrismation (anointment with holy oil)
• Confession
• Holy Communion

And three of them are optional:

• Matrimony
• Holy Orders (Ordination)
• Unction (anointment of the sick)

History of the Greek Orthodox Church in Malta

In 1816, the Saint George Greek Orthodox Church was founded by Greeks living in Malta. The Saint George Greek Orthodox Church is under the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The Church is dedicated to Saint George and is located in Merchants Str, Valletta.

Contact Information

• Church: Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Malta, 83 Merchants Str., Valletta, VLT 1177.
• Website: www.hellenicorthodoxmalta.blogspot.com.mt/
• Email: hellenic.orthodox.malta@gmail.com

Evangelical Church of Germany

Andreas Gemeinde Congregation

General Introduction

The Andreas Gemeinde is a German Protestant overseas parish which is promoted by the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) through the assignment of male or female pastors and other resources. The EKD consists of Lutheran, Reformation and United Churches. Therefore, the Andreas Congregation is open to all confessions incorporated in the EKD.
The Congregation defines itself as an “Ecumenical” parish. The only prerequisite for membership is baptism and admission to the Congregation is open to all baptized persons who are 16 years of age and reside in Malta.

Signs and Symbols

The name Andreas Gemeinde derives from its closeness to St Andrew’s Scots Church, which was instrumental to the Congregation’s foundation in 1991 and with which it is associated.
The Church’s symbol is the ship with the Maltese Cross symbolizing the salvation and protection that people experience in the church throughout their lives.

Structures of Authority

The Congregation is led by its Committee and by its Pastor.
The Assembly of the Congregation elects the Committee for a period of two years.
In Malta, the Andreas Gemeinde is closely linked with the German Speaking Catholic Congregation (St Barbara Church, Valletta) and with St Andrew’s Scots Church. It is a member of the Malta Ecumenical Council (MEC). Through its commitment to the Evangelical Church of Germany (EKD) the Andreas Gemeinde is a member of the Council of European Churches (CEC).

Major Festivities

• Advent and Christmas: Advent Carol Singing; St Martin’s and St Nicholas’ Feasts, together with the St Barbara German Speaking Catholic Congregation, Advent Bazaar, Nativity Play for families, and Christmas Eve Vespers.
• New Year’s Reception: Prayers and invitation to all friends and supporters of the Congregation.
• Good Friday and Easter: Sacred Music, Special Church Services, Easter Breakfast, participation in Procession and Church visits in Rabat.
• Pentecost: Ecumenical Mass for Christian Unity (MEC).
• Confirmation: Confirmation of youths who have taken part in Confirmation lessons.
• Ecumenical memorial of Baptism in Comino, together with the St Barbara German Speaking Catholic Congregation.
• The Congregation Feast: Barbecue before the start of the summer holidays.
• Thanksgiving: Church service with Music. The Congregation collects children’s toys and foodstuffs which are then donated to a Catholic children’s home.

Attire for Ministers

Black robe and white tie

Brief History

The Andreas Gemeinde was founded in 1991 out of the Protestant St Andrew’s Scots Church as a German-speaking parish with the support of the German Embassy in Malta, the Protestant State Church of Bavaria and the EKD. In 2011 the twentieth anniversary of its establishment was celebrated with the participation of the Rev. Nikolaus Schneider, President of the EKD Council. To date this Congregation has had 16 male and female pastors from Germany. Since 2012 it has forged ties with the Protestant Lutheran Church in Italy, and since 2015 with the Johenniterorden in Germany.

Specific Issues

• Gender issues
• Ordination of women. Women priests are office-holders having equal rights as male priests.
• Blessing of same-sex partnerships.

Contact Information

• Church: St Andrew’s House, 210 Old Bakery Street, Valletta.
• Pastor’s Residence: 57 ‘Villa Marija’ Triq Tumas Dingli, Mosta, MST 3762.
• Website: andreas-gemeinde-malta.de
• Email: andreasgemeinde@onvol.net

Church of Scotland and Mthodist Church

Saint Andrew’s Scot Church

General Introduction

St. Andrew’s Scot’s Church is a unique local ecumenical partnership between the Church of Scotland and the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
Ministers come alternately from the Church of Scotland and the Methodist Church. Over twenty nationalities are present within the congregation, comprising many different Christian denominations. Services are open to all; they are in English and they are celebrated in the Reformation tradition. Sunday worship is always followed by a time for fellowship, friendship and refreshment.
The church is committed to mission and social action and reaches out to vulnerable families, immigrants and refugees in Malta, and to HIV/AIDS communities in Zambia. It has developed an “International Centre” where English language classes are taught and from where a regulated non-profit financial institution whole-owned by the church called Malta Microfinance (www.maltamicrofinance.org) is run. The church has also opened a Foodbank.

Signs, Symbols and Sacred Texts

The Empty Cross is the main symbol of the Christian faith in a risen Saviour. Bread and wine are used in the celebration of Holy Communion. Few other signs and symbols are used as the Methodist and Reformed traditions do not regularly use icons, statues, or other symbols. The only sacred text used is the Bible. The writings of many great theologians are valued, but only the Bible is held as sacred.

Major Festivities

All major Christian festivals are celebrated: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost. For many of these the Church joins ecumenical celebrations through Christians Together in Malta.

Attire for Ministers

General attire for ministers is a clerical shirt. For worship services, ministers would either wear a clerical shirt or a cassock.

Brief History

A Methodist Church has existed in Valletta since 1824, when Rev. John Keeling founded the first non-Roman Catholic Church in Malta. A Presbyterian church has existed on the current site since 1843 and the present building was completed in 1857 through the efforts of a Presbyterian minister, the Rev. George Wisely during a time of strong British military presence.

The two congregations joined together in the 1970s after the Methodist building (situated next to the Argotti Gardens) was forced to close. The full story of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches in Malta can be found by clicking here: http://website.lineone.net/~peterbidmead/index.htm

Contact Information

• Church: Saint Andrew’s Scots Church, 210 Old Bakery Street, Valletta, VLT 1451.
• Website: https://www.standrewsmalta.com/contact

Jewish Communities in Malta

Where one may assume that there is such a thing as a ‘typical’ Jewish person, this is far from correct. A person who considers themselves Jewish may be orthodox, traditional, reform, non-practicing or even non-believing. Non-believing Jews typically adhere to Jewishness as an ethnicity more than a religious practice, and it may not affect their interaction with society and its institutions in any way.
Non-practicing Jews may have been raised in a culturally and religiously Jewish atmosphere, but choose not to practice or uphold the tenets of their inherited faith. Still, this cultural inheritance may make them uncomfortable with practices such as the consumption of pork products or shellfish.
Orthodox, traditional and reform Jews observe the religious tenets of Judaism, albeit in different ways and to different degrees.
A Jewish community has been present in Malta for centuries and may even predate the Roman period, though it has at times numbered less than a dozen individuals. Currently, the needs of Jewish travelers are met by the Chabad of Malta, an international Hasidic organisation that attends to the religious and social needs of Jewish communities worldwide.

Contact Information

Reuven Ohayon, PO Box 42, Birkirkara.
Website: http://www.jewsofmalta.org
Email: reuven.ohayon@ejp.eu

Chabad of Malta
83 George Borg Olivier St, St Julian’s.
Website: https://www.jewishmalta.com/