Christian Practices: Feasts, Fasts, and Sacraments

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Questions and Answers

What season is mentioned in conjunction with fasts?

Lent

What is something that a Christian must do in life?

Participate.

The 'day of rest' in Christianity is closely associated with what other key aspect?

Fellowship

What does the text say about the observance of feasts within Christianity?

One's and member's. Signup and view all the answers

What is the text referring to with 'Maranaya as'?

Do not Signup and view all the answers

According to this document, what are 'almost beginnings' associated with?

Ancient Signup and view all the answers

Besides fasting, what serious practice may someone undertake during Lent according to the text?

Serious day Signup and view all the answers

What specific geographical direction is associated with the 'western church' in the text?

To western Signup and view all the answers

How do contemporary churches adapt their liturgies to reflect the current needs and feelings of their congregations?

Churches revise liturgies regularly, incorporating current aspirations and agonies to foster a genuine worship experience. Signup and view all the answers

What role do sacraments play in communicating spiritual truths, and why are material elements like bread and wine important in this process?

Sacraments use visible signs and material elements to communicate spiritual truths, making abstract ideas more tangible and accessible through faith. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the significance of Baptism and Qurbana as the two main sacraments. How are they further enhanced by other practices?

Baptism and Qurbana are central sacraments, enhanced by confirmation (anointing with Mooron) after baptism and confession alongside Qurbana. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected attitude of church members toward the sacraments, and what does participation in optional sacraments signify?

Members are morally bound to receive sacraments if they take their membership seriously. Participating in optional sacraments shows loyalty to the church. Signup and view all the answers

How does the act of receiving sacraments serve as a means of expressing and practicing one's faith within the church community?

Receiving sacraments communicates and enacts one's faith, reinforcing their connection to the church and its practices. Signup and view all the answers

What religious shift occurred among the Mar Thoma Christians due to the influence of the Nestorian Church, and what was the primary characteristic of this shift?

The Mar Thoma Christians adopted Nestorianism, characterized by the acceptance of the Nestorian liturgy in Aramaic and its practices. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the main objective of the Roman Catholic missionaries upon their arrival in India, and how did they attempt to achieve it?

The Roman Catholic missionaries aimed to convert the Nestorian Mar Thoma Syrians to the Latin version of Roman Catholicism. They achieved this by convening the Diamper Synod and compelling Syrian Christian leaders to denounce Nestorianism. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Coonen Cross Oath in the context of the Mar Thoma Christians' relationship with Rome?

The Coonen Cross Oath was a declaration of independence against Roman Catholic dominance, signifying the Mar Thoma Christians' resolve to resist foreign religious authority. Signup and view all the answers

Following the Coonen Cross Oath, what action did the supporters of Archdeacon Thomas take, and what title did they bestow upon him?

They consecrated Archdeacon Thomas as a bishop with the title Mar Thoma I, marking him as the first Indian Metropolitan of their Church. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action was demanded of the Mar Thoma Syrians at the Diamper Synod, and what was the intended outcome of this demand?

They were asked to recant Nestorianism and embrace the Latin version of Roman Catholicism, with the goal of integrating them into the Roman Catholic Church. Signup and view all the answers

After the Coonen Cross Oath, which churches did Mar Thoma I seek support from, and what does this indicate about his strategy?

He sought support from sister churches in Antioch, Babylon, Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Ethiopia, which indicates a strategy of building alliances with other ancient Christian communities to strengthen his church's position. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the initial interaction between Vasco de Gama and the Mar Thoma Syrians upon his arrival in India, and what impact did this interaction have on the religious landscape?

Vasco de Gama, upon landing in India, initiated the introduction of Latinizing Roman Catholic missionaries to the Mar Thoma Syrians. This introduction eventually led to attempts to convert the Mar Thoma Christians to Roman Catholicism, altering the religious dynamics of the region. Signup and view all the answers

What became of the minority that refused to sign the document at the Diamper Synod, and how did they maintain their religious identity?

The minority that refused to sign the document continued following the Nestorian practice. They later revived and now continue as the Church of the East (Chaldean Syrian Church), preserving their ancient Nestorian liturgy. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the practice of observing the Sabbath important for Christians?

Observing the Sabbath is important for Christians because it allows them to regularly remove themselves from the neglect of daily life and focus on worshiping and serving the Lord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger of neglecting practices such as observing the Sabbath or participating in church?

Neglecting practices such as observing the Sabbath or participating in church can lead to a weakening of faith, a disconnection from the Christian community, and a loss of focus on serving the Lord. Signup and view all the answers

How do Christian practices contribute to the 'visible' church?

Christian practices make the church visible by demonstrating faith in action and providing a tangible expression of the beliefs and values of christian life. Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can festival observances give structure to the Christian life?

Festival observances connect Christians to historical traditions while also providing opportunities for celebration and spiritual growth. Signup and view all the answers

How might the disappearing of regular Christian practices affect the 'constitution' of a church?

The disappearing of regular Christian practices can erode the foundational identity and unity of the church and the individual members. It can weaken adherence to key beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What role do traditions from the Church Fathers play in contemporary Christian practices?

Traditions from the Church Fathers offer historical context and wisdom, guiding contemporary Christian practices and connecting current believers to the roots of their faith. Signup and view all the answers

How does 'fear of the Lord' relate to Christian practices and service?

'Fear of the Lord' cultivates reverence and humility, motivating Christians to engage in practices and service with sincerity and a desire to honor God. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how engaging in Christian practices can be considered both a 'freedom' and a 'service' to God?

Christian practices as freedom: Believers freely choose to express devotion and experience spiritual growth. Christian practices as service: Actions that demonstrate love, obedience, and commitment to God's will. Signup and view all the answers

What are two reasons for the church's traditional practice of facing east during worship?

God is metaphorically described as the sun of righteousness, and Eden, the garden of God's presence, is believed to be in the east. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'thronos of God' in the Madbaha, and how does it relate to the Qurbana?

The 'thronos of God' is the altar table where the holy elements are placed. It signifies that the Qurbana is not a bloody sacrifice but a communion with the Lord, where He gives Himself to His people. Signup and view all the answers

How does the text differentiate the Mar Thoma Church's understanding of the Qurbana from a 'bloody sacrifice'?

The text emphasizes that Qurbana is a 'sacrifice without blood,' indicating that it is not a repetition of the original sacrifice but rather a means through which the Lord gives Himself to his people for communion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of observing feast and fast seasons, according to the text?

Inner renewal of the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Why do worshippers traditionally stand during service, and what historical justification is given for this practice?

Worshippers stand as an oriental mark of respect for the Lord's presence during the service. The Nicene Creed is cited as an injunction to worship standing, symbolizing reverence for the risen Lord. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Three days fast' observed in January?

It commemorates the fast of Jonah. Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions that renewal, cleansing, and reformation are continuous processes. How does this relate to Abraham Malpan's contributions, according to the text?

The text acknowledges Abraham Malpan's contributions to the liturgy but states that reformation is ongoing, implying that not everything necessary has been done by him and that new insights from the Word of God are always needed. Signup and view all the answers

What Old Testament verses provide guidance on fasting and reliance on God?

Isaiah 58:6 and Isaiah 40:31 Signup and view all the answers

How does the text describe the offering made during the Qurbana, beyond the elements of the holy Eucharist?

During the Qurbana, worshippers offer themselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord, in response to God's offering to humankind. Signup and view all the answers

What is Qurbana?

An Aramaic word for altar. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Feast of Mary' commemorate in the Orthodox tradition, and when is it observed?

It commemorates the Virgin Mary and is observed for 15 days in August. Signup and view all the answers

According to the details provided in the text, what is one possible impact of western influence of the eastern traditions of worship?

The text argues that western influence is slowly destroying the eastern tradition of worship, such as sitting on chairs or benches, which deviates from the practice of standing, sitting on the floor, or prostrating. Signup and view all the answers

Summarize the understanding of the altar ('Madbaha') based on the text, specifically mentioning its function and symbolism.

As an Eastern practice the Madbaha' is the altar, located in the East, that is symbolic of the thronos of God, where the Qurbana is offered. It holds the elements of the holy Eucharist, but more importantly ourselves as a living sacrifice. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Koodash litha' and 'Hudas litha,' and when are they observed?

'Koodash litha' (Sanctification of the Church) and 'Hudas litha' (Renewal of the Church) are observed on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays in November, respectively. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the period before Christmas (December 25th), according to the text?

It is a time of cleansing and renewal in preparation for the advent of the Lord. Signup and view all the answers

Who felt the need for reformation in the Church?

Abraham Malpan Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nazarenes

Early Christians who settled in Kerala and intermingled with local Christians.

Nestorianism

A Christian theological doctrine associated with the Nestorian Church, influential in Kerala.