Podcast
Questions and Answers
The Mar Thoma Syrian Church strictly separates faith, practice, and worship, viewing them as distinct elements.
The Mar Thoma Syrian Church strictly separates faith, practice, and worship, viewing them as distinct elements.
False (B)
Liturgy, in its essence, is solely a ritualistic duty performed within the confines of the church, bearing no connection to service or witness.
Liturgy, in its essence, is solely a ritualistic duty performed within the confines of the church, bearing no connection to service or witness.
False (B)
If worship within a church becomes solely a routine ritual devoid of prompting any form of witness, maintaining the status quo is the most appropriate course of action.
If worship within a church becomes solely a routine ritual devoid of prompting any form of witness, maintaining the status quo is the most appropriate course of action.
False (B)
Abraham Malpan advocated for worship to be conducted in Latin to maintain its sacred and traditional essence.
Abraham Malpan advocated for worship to be conducted in Latin to maintain its sacred and traditional essence.
The Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Churches later rejected the principle upheld that worship must be in one's mother-tongue intelligently.
The Roman Catholics and the Orthodox Churches later rejected the principle upheld that worship must be in one's mother-tongue intelligently.
The liturgical practices of the Mar Thoma Church diverge significantly from the orthodox pattern, embracing contemporary innovations.
The liturgical practices of the Mar Thoma Church diverge significantly from the orthodox pattern, embracing contemporary innovations.
According to the content provided, faith without practice or worship is fully aligned with the core concept of the church.
According to the content provided, faith without practice or worship is fully aligned with the core concept of the church.
Worship in the Mar Thoma Church serves primarily as a means to express individual piety, with little emphasis on fostering communal identity and unity.
Worship in the Mar Thoma Church serves primarily as a means to express individual piety, with little emphasis on fostering communal identity and unity.
Liturgical changes were implemented without considering the basic principles of reformation.
Liturgical changes were implemented without considering the basic principles of reformation.
Abraham Malpan asserted that the renewal, cleansing, and reformation of the liturgy was a completed task.
Abraham Malpan asserted that the renewal, cleansing, and reformation of the liturgy was a completed task.
The Qurbana involves a bloody sacrifice, repeating Christ's sacrifice.
The Qurbana involves a bloody sacrifice, repeating Christ's sacrifice.
The Madbaha serves as merely a symbolic representation without any functional purpose in the worship service.
The Madbaha serves as merely a symbolic representation without any functional purpose in the worship service.
The practice of facing east during worship is solely based on the literal interpretation of the compass direction found in ancient scriptures.
The practice of facing east during worship is solely based on the literal interpretation of the compass direction found in ancient scriptures.
The Nicene Creed explicitly prohibits standing during worship, advocating only sitting or prostrating.
The Nicene Creed explicitly prohibits standing during worship, advocating only sitting or prostrating.
The altar, or thronos of God, must always be constructed of stone to ensure its sanctity and permanence.
The altar, or thronos of God, must always be constructed of stone to ensure its sanctity and permanence.
Worshipping while sitting on chairs or benches is a practice deeply rooted in Eastern Christian tradition and has been consistently upheld without external influence.
Worshipping while sitting on chairs or benches is a practice deeply rooted in Eastern Christian tradition and has been consistently upheld without external influence.
The practice of prostrating on the floor during Good Friday services is universally maintained across all congregations.
The practice of prostrating on the floor during Good Friday services is universally maintained across all congregations.
The Madbaha's holiness arises solely from its architectural design, with no regard to any divine presence.
The Madbaha's holiness arises solely from its architectural design, with no regard to any divine presence.
The screen separating the Madbaha from the Haikala serves only a practical purpose, bearing no symbolic significance.
The screen separating the Madbaha from the Haikala serves only a practical purpose, bearing no symbolic significance.
The inclusion of a vestry attached to the Madbaha is an original tradition of the Eastern churches, predating Western influence.
The inclusion of a vestry attached to the Madbaha is an original tradition of the Eastern churches, predating Western influence.
The use of candles in worship exclusively commemorates the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison.
The use of candles in worship exclusively commemorates the invention of the light bulb by Thomas Edison.
The Communion hymn 'Velivu Niranja Rakshakane' (Saviour full of light) is commenced precisely when the Bishop begins the service.
The Communion hymn 'Velivu Niranja Rakshakane' (Saviour full of light) is commenced precisely when the Bishop begins the service.
The smoke rising from incense is purely decorative, intended only for aesthetic enhancement of the worship space.
The smoke rising from incense is purely decorative, intended only for aesthetic enhancement of the worship space.
Frankincense, derived from tree sap, was historically used in primitive religions as a symbol of offering oneself to God.
Frankincense, derived from tree sap, was historically used in primitive religions as a symbol of offering oneself to God.
The brand of Abraham is primarily a secular concept without any sacramental significance.
The brand of Abraham is primarily a secular concept without any sacramental significance.
The omission in 'the difference a' suggests a complete absence, indicating that no distinction is present.
The omission in 'the difference a' suggests a complete absence, indicating that no distinction is present.
The phrase 'day taken was week' indicates a precise, mathematical conversion where one day perfectly equates to a single week.
The phrase 'day taken was week' indicates a precise, mathematical conversion where one day perfectly equates to a single week.
'Lentmoves eastern reformed' refers to a static, unchanging doctrine within Eastern Reformed traditions.
'Lentmoves eastern reformed' refers to a static, unchanging doctrine within Eastern Reformed traditions.
'Perunal observance and faith recorded the Mar' implies that Perunal is a deity whose worship is documented by the Mar Thoma Church.
'Perunal observance and faith recorded the Mar' implies that Perunal is a deity whose worship is documented by the Mar Thoma Church.
'It a most be are Malpan' suggests that all members are required to become Malpans.
'It a most be are Malpan' suggests that all members are required to become Malpans.
'Active the must' suggests that inactivity is permissible under certain circumstances.
'Active the must' suggests that inactivity is permissible under certain circumstances.
'Altered slowly foundations.onchurch' suggests sudden and radical changes to the core beliefs.
'Altered slowly foundations.onchurch' suggests sudden and radical changes to the core beliefs.
The Feast of the Apostles, observed for 13 days in June, is known as Shleeba Octuplet.
The Feast of the Apostles, observed for 13 days in June, is known as Shleeba Octuplet.
The fast of Jonah, observed for three days in January, holds a prominent position in contemporary church practices.
The fast of Jonah, observed for three days in January, holds a prominent position in contemporary church practices.
The Feast of Mary, observed for 15 days in August, venerates Mary Magdalene in the Orthodox tradition.
The Feast of Mary, observed for 15 days in August, venerates Mary Magdalene in the Orthodox tradition.
Koodash litha refers to the 'Sanctification of the Church,' observed on the first Sunday in November.
Koodash litha refers to the 'Sanctification of the Church,' observed on the first Sunday in November.
Before Christmas, the church undertakes a period of preparation marked by renewal, to cleanse and prepare for the departure of Christ.
Before Christmas, the church undertakes a period of preparation marked by renewal, to cleanse and prepare for the departure of Christ.
The church prepares itself through transformation and repentance for the coming celebration of Christ's birth on December 25th.
The church prepares itself through transformation and repentance for the coming celebration of Christ's birth on December 25th.
Neglecting feasts and fasts can diminish their intended spiritual impact, highlighting the need for their sincere observance or suitable alternatives.
Neglecting feasts and fasts can diminish their intended spiritual impact, highlighting the need for their sincere observance or suitable alternatives.
Abraham Malpan sought division within the Church based on personal interpretation.
Abraham Malpan sought division within the Church based on personal interpretation.
The practice of neglecting the Sabbath leads to a stronger sense of community within the visible church.
The practice of neglecting the Sabbath leads to a stronger sense of community within the visible church.
Early church practices such as observing festivals are considered entirely distinct from modern Christian life and have no bearing on contemporary worship or spiritual formation.
Early church practices such as observing festivals are considered entirely distinct from modern Christian life and have no bearing on contemporary worship or spiritual formation.
The phrase 'left service life' suggests a deliberate abandonment of religious duties.
The phrase 'left service life' suggests a deliberate abandonment of religious duties.
Historical church constitutions are considered completely irrelevant and without value for modern Christian communities seeking to structure their governance.
Historical church constitutions are considered completely irrelevant and without value for modern Christian communities seeking to structure their governance.
The passage suggests that fear, rather than love, should be the primary motivation for observing church practices.
The passage suggests that fear, rather than love, should be the primary motivation for observing church practices.
According to the passage, the disappearance of practices is a sign of a uniformly healthy and adaptive church.
According to the passage, the disappearance of practices is a sign of a uniformly healthy and adaptive church.
The phrase 'practice in life To Lord' implies a separation of one's spiritual life from secular activities; worship is confined to religious settings.
The phrase 'practice in life To Lord' implies a separation of one's spiritual life from secular activities; worship is confined to religious settings.
The term 'free Sabbath' describes a relaxation of all moral and ethical constraints on the day of rest.
The term 'free Sabbath' describes a relaxation of all moral and ethical constraints on the day of rest.
Flashcards
Mar Thoma Syrian Church
Mar Thoma Syrian Church
A church with oriental heritage and occidental mission zeal.
Faith and Practice
Faith and Practice
Integrated aspects of worship and witness in the church.
Liturgy
Liturgy
Literally means 'Service' rendered to God and people.
Worship's Role
Worship's Role
Signup and view all the flashcards
Mother-tongue Worship
Mother-tongue Worship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Orthodox Pattern
Orthodox Pattern
Signup and view all the flashcards
Witness
Witness
Signup and view all the flashcards
Reviving Worship
Reviving Worship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Madbaha
Madbaha
Signup and view all the flashcards
Haikala
Haikala
Signup and view all the flashcards
Vestry
Vestry
Signup and view all the flashcards
Beth Gaza
Beth Gaza
Signup and view all the flashcards
Candles in Worship
Candles in Worship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Incense
Incense
Signup and view all the flashcards
Frankincense
Frankincense
Signup and view all the flashcards
Light of the World
Light of the World
Signup and view all the flashcards
Qurbana
Qurbana
Signup and view all the flashcards
Worship direction
Worship direction
Signup and view all the flashcards
Thronos of God
Thronos of God
Signup and view all the flashcards
Standing posture in worship
Standing posture in worship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Influence of the West
Influence of the West
Signup and view all the flashcards
Continuous reformation
Continuous reformation
Signup and view all the flashcards
Prostration in prayer
Prostration in prayer
Signup and view all the flashcards
Abraham
Abraham
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sacramental
Sacramental
Signup and view all the flashcards
Lent
Lent
Signup and view all the flashcards
Observance
Observance
Signup and view all the flashcards
Reformed
Reformed
Signup and view all the flashcards
Faith
Faith
Signup and view all the flashcards
Worship
Worship
Signup and view all the flashcards
Church Foundations
Church Foundations
Signup and view all the flashcards
Three days fast
Three days fast
Signup and view all the flashcards
Feast of the Apostles
Feast of the Apostles
Signup and view all the flashcards
Feast of Mary
Feast of Mary
Signup and view all the flashcards
Koodash litha
Koodash litha
Signup and view all the flashcards
Hudas litha
Hudas litha
Signup and view all the flashcards
Spiritual exercise
Spiritual exercise
Signup and view all the flashcards
Abraham Malpan
Abraham Malpan
Signup and view all the flashcards
Christian Practices
Christian Practices
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sabbath
Sabbath
Signup and view all the flashcards
Sunday Observance
Sunday Observance
Signup and view all the flashcards
Fear of Neglect
Fear of Neglect
Signup and view all the flashcards
Church Constitution
Church Constitution
Signup and view all the flashcards
Christian Festivals
Christian Festivals
Signup and view all the flashcards
Disappearing Practices
Disappearing Practices
Signup and view all the flashcards
Visible Church
Visible Church
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
A Brief Historical Introduction
- All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ. He commanded his apostles to baptize and teach all nations.
- Thomas was one of the apostles and was commissioned by Jesus Christ to go to India.
- According to tradition, Thomas reached the Malabar coast at Kodungalloor in 52 AD.
- Some believe Thomas went to India to find the lost sheep of the diaspora.
- Thomas may have been rejected by the Jews in Cochin and turned to the Gentiles in the interior of Kerala.
- The Namboodiri Brahmins were attracted to the new teachings and several of them were baptized.
- A few families were appointed to govern the new Christian community.
- Thomas continued his mission to the east coast.
The Nazarenes
- The seven congregations founded by Thomas in the Chera Kingdom (Kerala) grew slowly.
- Neighbours called the Christians Nazarenes.
- Very little is known about the early period of the church.
- Eusebius wrote about Pantaenus' visit to India.
The Syrians/Persian Contact
- In 345 AD, a significant group of about 400 families from East Syria migrated to Kerala under Canai Thoma.
- The Nazarenes received the new arrivals and they intermingled with local Christians.
- Little is known about the life and witness of these Christians in following centuries.
- Persian influence made a big thrust in the 6th century through the Nestorian Church.
The Roman Catholics
- Vasco da Gama arrived in India in 1498, landing at Kappad on the Malabar coast, which is near Kozhikode.
- Da Gama was a devout Roman Catholic.
- By 1599, missionaries were asked to recant Nestorianism and embrace Latin version of Roman Catholicism at the Diamper Synod (Udayamperoor).
Declaration of Independence
- Arch Deacon Thomas led Christians in 1653 protesting Portuguese Catholicism.
- 25,000 Christians and 633 clergy marched to Cochin Fort.
- The Christians made the Coonen Cross pledge to not be under Rome.
- Arch Deacon Thomas was appointed a bishop with the title Mar Thoma I by his supporters.
The Jacobites
- Mar Gregorios arrived from Jerusalem in 1665. He reconsecrated Mar Thoma I.
- The Mar Thoma Christians eventually came under the influence of the Antiochian Jacobite church.
The Anglicans
- Claudius Buchanan, a chaplain attached to the British army in Calcutta, visited India in 1806.
- He met the Metropolitan and translated the Gospels into Malayalam in 1811.
- A seminary was established in Kottayam in 1813 for training the Syrian Christian clergy.
- Bailey, Norton, and Fenn arrived in 1816 as Anglican missionaries to rebuild a dilapidated church.
The Awakened Mar Thoma Syrian Church/Reformation
- Abraham Malpan was a Professor at the Seminary, and questioned some practices in the church.
- He called for reform in the Maverlikara Synod of 1836.
- A memorandum with 24 points was submitted by Malpan and others to the British Resident, Col. Fraser, demanding reform in ecclesial matters.
- Malpan and others carried on the reform, and consecrated Mathews as a bishop.
Our Ecumenical Stand
- Five ancient metropolises dominated the Christian world until the 4th century: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople, and Rome.
- Eastern and Western Churches formed two blocks.
- The 16th century reformation led by Luther shook the Roman church, sparking Protestantism.
Faith and Practice
- Faith and practice, worship and witnessing were never separated in the church.
- Worship is important for the spiritual vitality of the church.
- Worship leads to service to God and people.
- Liturgy involves service to God and people.
- Worship should not remain a mere cultic ritual.
- Abraham Malpan renewed the church's focus on Christian worship, prayers and praises.
- The worship pattern in Mar Thoma is Orthodox in nature.
The Holy Vestments and Prayers
- The holy vestments and liturgical prayers are necessary for those who serve the church.
- Worshippers must be reverent in their approach to God.
People who do not understand...
- Worshippers need to understand worship's meaning and significance.
Feasts and Fasts
- The Mar Thoma Church, a reformed oriental church observes feasts and fasts.
- Sunday is a significant day for worship and the breaking of the bread.
- Other significant days are Lent (Valia Nombu), Epiphany, Feast of Annunciation, Palm Sunday and the Easter celebrations.
The Sacraments
- The ordained ministry of the church is commissioned to preach God's Word and administer sacraments.
- Sacraments are visible signs of spiritual truth and realities.
- Baptism and Communion are considered dominical sacraments.
General Administration of the Church
-
Abraham Malpan wanted to reform the church with God's word, and preserve the heritage of the past.
-
The constitution is democratic and involves the Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam.
-
65% lay members and 35% clergy, including bishops, are in the Mandalam.
-
The Episcopa approves decisions.
-
There is an Executive Committee, called the Sabha Council, elected by the Mandalam.
-
The Sabha Council assists the Metropolitan in administration.
-
Diocesan Assemblies and Councils administer Diocesan matters, Lay members are elected from parishes, and one-third must be women.
-
Dioceses are divided regionally into centres.
-
The organisations like Youth Department, Sevika Sangom, and Sunday School send representatives to each center, which are a unified work group.
-
The General body administers parishes.
-
An executive committee called the Kaisthana Samithi is elected by the General Body. The parish funds and accounts are overseen by two representatives.
-
The parishes are supported by voluntary contributions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Related Documents
Description
Explore the Mar Thoma Syrian Church's separation of faith, practice, and worship. Understand its liturgical practices, contrasting them with Orthodox traditions. Uncover the perspective that worship is solely a ritualistic church duty, independent of service or witness.
