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Questions and Answers
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 was given exclusively to Thomas, tasking him individually to make disciples of all nations.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 was given exclusively to Thomas, tasking him individually to make disciples of all nations.
False (B)
According to historical documents, Thomas reached the Malabar coast precisely in 52 A.D., a date definitively confirmed by multiple independent sources.
According to historical documents, Thomas reached the Malabar coast precisely in 52 A.D., a date definitively confirmed by multiple independent sources.
False (B)
St. Thomas directed his ministry exclusively towards Jewish communities in Cochin, with no documented efforts to engage with other populations.
St. Thomas directed his ministry exclusively towards Jewish communities in Cochin, with no documented efforts to engage with other populations.
False (B)
Tradition holds that Thomas converted primarily members of the Sudra caste, appointing them to govern the new Christian community.
Tradition holds that Thomas converted primarily members of the Sudra caste, appointing them to govern the new Christian community.
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Thomas was fatally stabbed in Calcutta, mirroring the prophetic suffering mentioned in Matthew 10:24-25.
Thomas was fatally stabbed in Calcutta, mirroring the prophetic suffering mentioned in Matthew 10:24-25.
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The early Christian communities founded by Thomas were primarily known as 'Essesnes', a term derived from Aramaic scripture.
The early Christian communities founded by Thomas were primarily known as 'Essesnes', a term derived from Aramaic scripture.
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Eusebius's records confirm that Bartholomew visited India, discovering a Hebrew version of the Gospel of Mark predating his arrival.
Eusebius's records confirm that Bartholomew visited India, discovering a Hebrew version of the Gospel of Mark predating his arrival.
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A group of approximately 40 families from West Syria arrived in Kerala in 345 A.D. under the leadership of Canai Thoma.
A group of approximately 40 families from West Syria arrived in Kerala in 345 A.D. under the leadership of Canai Thoma.
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The Nazarenes, upon settling in the land, consciously avoided blending with the local culture to preserve their distinct identity.
The Nazarenes, upon settling in the land, consciously avoided blending with the local culture to preserve their distinct identity.
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Prior to the 6th century, there is no documented evidence of any ecclesiastical visits or interactions between Kerala and Persia.
Prior to the 6th century, there is no documented evidence of any ecclesiastical visits or interactions between Kerala and Persia.
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The influence of the Nestorian Church on the Mar Thoma Christians was firmly established before the 8th century.
The influence of the Nestorian Church on the Mar Thoma Christians was firmly established before the 8th century.
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Vasco de Gama's primary objective in establishing a sea route to India was to seek religious converts for the Nestorian Church.
Vasco de Gama's primary objective in establishing a sea route to India was to seek religious converts for the Nestorian Church.
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The Diamper Synod resulted in a unanimous decision by the Mar Thoma Syrians to embrace the Latin version of Roman Catholicism without any dissent.
The Diamper Synod resulted in a unanimous decision by the Mar Thoma Syrians to embrace the Latin version of Roman Catholicism without any dissent.
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Arch Deacon Geevarghese willingly signed the document prepared by Alexes de Menezes at the Diamper Synod, fully supporting the Roman Catholic doctrines.
Arch Deacon Geevarghese willingly signed the document prepared by Alexes de Menezes at the Diamper Synod, fully supporting the Roman Catholic doctrines.
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The Coonen Cross Oath was a declaration of allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church, solidifying its authority over the Christians of India.
The Coonen Cross Oath was a declaration of allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church, solidifying its authority over the Christians of India.
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Following the Coonen Cross Oath, Arch Deacon Thomas immediately received official recognition and support from the Pope in Rome as the first Indian Metran.
Following the Coonen Cross Oath, Arch Deacon Thomas immediately received official recognition and support from the Pope in Rome as the first Indian Metran.
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The liturgical life of the church, characterized by weekly observance and special seasons like Lent, remains entirely unaffected by Eastern or Reformed traditions.
The liturgical life of the church, characterized by weekly observance and special seasons like Lent, remains entirely unaffected by Eastern or Reformed traditions.
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The term 'Abraham brand' refers to a secular trademark unrelated to any religious or sacramental context.
The term 'Abraham brand' refers to a secular trademark unrelated to any religious or sacramental context.
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Mar Thoma members are discouraged from active participation in worship to maintain a separation from other Christian denominations.
Mar Thoma members are discouraged from active participation in worship to maintain a separation from other Christian denominations.
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The historical records of Perunal are considered entirely legendary with no factual basis, according to the stated content.
The historical records of Perunal are considered entirely legendary with no factual basis, according to the stated content.
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The role of a Malpan is considered insignificant for the Church's doctrine and member relations.
The role of a Malpan is considered insignificant for the Church's doctrine and member relations.
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The foundational principles of the church are subject to frequent, radical alterations.
The foundational principles of the church are subject to frequent, radical alterations.
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The text suggests that the church's identity and practices have remained completely static, untouched by external influences or internal adaptations.
The text suggests that the church's identity and practices have remained completely static, untouched by external influences or internal adaptations.
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Omission makes no difference.
Omission makes no difference.
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In the Mar Thoma Church, Ash Wednesday is observed to mark the beginning of Lent.
In the Mar Thoma Church, Ash Wednesday is observed to mark the beginning of Lent.
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During Lent, the faithful are encouraged to maintain their regular eating and drinking habits without any lifestyle changes.
During Lent, the faithful are encouraged to maintain their regular eating and drinking habits without any lifestyle changes.
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The Diocesan Bishops serve as presidents of the Samithies, overseeing the planning and execution of organizational work at the diocesan level.
The Diocesan Bishops serve as presidents of the Samithies, overseeing the planning and execution of organizational work at the diocesan level.
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The Feast of Annunciation, celebrating the angel Gabriel's address to the Virgin Mary, is observed on March 25th.
The Feast of Annunciation, celebrating the angel Gabriel's address to the Virgin Mary, is observed on March 25th.
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All parishes within a diocese directly elect members to the Regional Clergy Council, ensuring widespread representation.
All parishes within a diocese directly elect members to the Regional Clergy Council, ensuring widespread representation.
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Each regional group, composed of adjoining parishes, must include at least three female representatives ensuring gender diversity.
Each regional group, composed of adjoining parishes, must include at least three female representatives ensuring gender diversity.
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The Eastern Churches consider the Last Supper as a traditional Passover meal, aligning with Jewish customs.
The Eastern Churches consider the Last Supper as a traditional Passover meal, aligning with Jewish customs.
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The Kaisthana Samithi, an elected executive body, operates above the general body in parish administration.
The Kaisthana Samithi, an elected executive body, operates above the general body in parish administration.
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The Kiss of Peace is a regular feature during the Holy Qurbana on Maundy Thursday, symbolizing fellowship and love.
The Kiss of Peace is a regular feature during the Holy Qurbana on Maundy Thursday, symbolizing fellowship and love.
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The Vicar serves as the President of both the general body and the Kaisthana Samithi, providing consistent leadership across parish administration.
The Vicar serves as the President of both the general body and the Kaisthana Samithi, providing consistent leadership across parish administration.
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On Good Friday, worship services typically extend until 6 p.m., commemorating the time of Jesus' death on the cross.
On Good Friday, worship services typically extend until 6 p.m., commemorating the time of Jesus' death on the cross.
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Easter celebrations commence in the late afternoon, following a period of solemn reflection and repentance throughout the day.
Easter celebrations commence in the late afternoon, following a period of solemn reflection and repentance throughout the day.
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Parish financial affairs are managed by a single elected representative who oversees both funds and accounts to streamline operations.
Parish financial affairs are managed by a single elected representative who oversees both funds and accounts to streamline operations.
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The Advent season involves a 35-day period of observance, in anticipation of and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth.
The Advent season involves a 35-day period of observance, in anticipation of and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth.
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The four main parish organizations conduct their activities primarily outside the parishes to engage with the broader community.
The four main parish organizations conduct their activities primarily outside the parishes to engage with the broader community.
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Decisions made by the general body are immediately implementable, reflecting the autonomy of the parish.
Decisions made by the general body are immediately implementable, reflecting the autonomy of the parish.
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The Mar Thoma Church was purportedly founded by St. Peter in India, as maintained by its historical traditions.
The Mar Thoma Church was purportedly founded by St. Peter in India, as maintained by its historical traditions.
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To maintain Episcopal traditions, the Metropolitan personally traveled to Antioch for consecration by the Patriarch.
To maintain Episcopal traditions, the Metropolitan personally traveled to Antioch for consecration by the Patriarch.
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According to the administrative structure, the Sabha, Prathinidhi Mandalam consists of 35% laity and 65% clergy, including Episcopal members.
According to the administrative structure, the Sabha, Prathinidhi Mandalam consists of 35% laity and 65% clergy, including Episcopal members.
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The Metropolitan lacks the authority to send decisions back to the Mandalam for reconsideration, ensuring swift implementation of policies.
The Metropolitan lacks the authority to send decisions back to the Mandalam for reconsideration, ensuring swift implementation of policies.
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The Sabha Council, responsible for assisting the Metropolitan, is directly appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch.
The Sabha Council, responsible for assisting the Metropolitan, is directly appointed by the Patriarch of Antioch.
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Each Diocese is represented in the Sabha Council by two members from the clergy and two from the laity, ensuring equal representation.
Each Diocese is represented in the Sabha Council by two members from the clergy and two from the laity, ensuring equal representation.
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The Metropolitan and the Sabha Treasurer, directly appointed by the Metropolitan, form the Trustees of the Church.
The Metropolitan and the Sabha Treasurer, directly appointed by the Metropolitan, form the Trustees of the Church.
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Matters at the Diocesan level are administered by the Sabha Council, ensuring a centralized governance structure.
Matters at the Diocesan level are administered by the Sabha Council, ensuring a centralized governance structure.
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Flashcards
Nazarenes
Nazarenes
Newly arrived Christians in Kerala who mingled with local Christians.
Nestorian Church
Nestorian Church
A Christian church from Persia which influenced Kerala Christians.
Mar Thoma Christians
Mar Thoma Christians
The group of Christians in Kerala drawn to Nestorianism.
Diamper Synod
Diamper Synod
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Coonen Cross Oath
Coonen Cross Oath
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Arch Deacon Thomas
Arch Deacon Thomas
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Church of the East
Church of the East
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Portuguese Influence
Portuguese Influence
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Great Commission
Great Commission
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Thomas in India
Thomas in India
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Lost Sheep
Lost Sheep
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Namboodiri Brahmins
Namboodiri Brahmins
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Eusebius
Eusebius
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Panataenus
Panataenus
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Syrian Migration
Syrian Migration
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Diocesan Clergy Councils
Diocesan Clergy Councils
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Samithies
Samithies
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Kaisthana Samithi
Kaisthana Samithi
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Diocesan Bishops
Diocesan Bishops
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Executive Committee
Executive Committee
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General Body
General Body
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Auditors
Auditors
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Budget Approval
Budget Approval
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Abraham
Abraham
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Sacramental
Sacramental
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Lent
Lent
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Easter
Easter
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Worship
Worship
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Faith
Faith
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Observance
Observance
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Covenant
Covenant
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Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday
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Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday
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Good Friday
Good Friday
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Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
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Ascension Day
Ascension Day
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Pentecost
Pentecost
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Episcopal Tradition
Episcopal Tradition
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Patriarch of Antioch
Patriarch of Antioch
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Sabha
Sabha
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Prathinidhi Mandalam
Prathinidhi Mandalam
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Metropolitan
Metropolitan
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Democratic Values
Democratic Values
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Diocesan Assemblies
Diocesan Assemblies
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Sabha Council
Sabha Council
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Study Notes
Brief Historical Introduction
- All authority given to Jesus to make disciples of all nations
- Thomas, one of the disciples, was commissioned to go to India
- According to tradition, Thomas reached Malabar coast (Kodungalloor) in 52 AD
- Some believe Thomas was seeking lost Jewish diaspora in India
- Thomas may have moved to gentiles after failing to gain acceptance among Jews in Cochin
- Namboodiri Brahmins were attracted to the teaching and several received baptism
- Mar Thoma continued his mission to the east coast
The Nazarenes
- Seven congregations founded by Thomas in Chera Kingdom grew slowly
- Neighbours called the Christians Nazarenes
Syrians/Persian Contact
- In 345 AD, about 400 families from East Syria migrated to Kerala under Canai Thoma
- The Nazarenes received the new Christians and intermingled with the local Christians
- Culture absorption; lack of records from this period
- Persian influence grew in 6th Century; Nestorian Church was influential
The Roman Catholics
- Vasco de Gama landed in Kappad (Kozhikode) in 1498
- A devout Roman Catholic, Vasco de Gama brought Christian missionaries to work among the Mar Thoma Syrians
- At the Diamper Synod (Udayamperoor), the Christians were asked to recant Nestorianism and to embrace Latin Roman Catholicism
- Alexes de Menezes, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Goa, prepared the document
- Some minority withdrew to follow the Nestorian Church practice
Declaration of Independence
- Archdeacon Thomas and people opposed Portuguese Catholicism
- 25,000 Christians and 633 clergy marched to Cochin Fort
- Withdrew to Mattancherry and pledged to never be under Rome("Coonen Cross" oath)
- Archdeacon Thomas was made Bishop Mar Thoma I
The Jacobites
- Mar Gregorios arrived in 1665 from Jerusalem to restore to Mar Thoma
- The independent Mar Thoma Christian Church came under the influence of Antiochian Jacobite church
The Anglicans
- Claudius Buchanan, an English chaplain, visited in 1806
- Met Mar Dionysius the Great
The Awakened Mar Thoma Syrian Church/Reformation
- Abraham Malpan questioned some Church practices
- He sought reform at the Mavelikara Synod (1836)
- Malpan submitted a memorandum of 24 theses to Col. Fraser
- This led to a reformation movement in Malankara Church
Faith and Practice
- Worship is central to spiritual vitality and witness; it gives expression
- Liturgy (service) is important for unity and identity
- The Qurbana (Eucharist), offertory, and self-offering are included as essential parts of worship
- Worship faces East
- Candles and incense essential tools for worship
- Holy garments and prayers emphasized by the church members
Worship in the Church
- Worship (orthodox) with liturgy is important for spiritual vitality and witness
- Liturgy (service) gives expression to service and witness, providing a sense of identity and unity
- Prayers and praise necessary for genuine worship experience
- Holy vestments and prayers are used as preparations for approaching God's throne
Sacraments (Koodashakal)
- Baptism (Mamodisa) and Qurbana are foundational sacraments.
- Confirmation is an important part of Baptism
- Church membership requires receiving sacraments when appropriate
- Marriage, Ordination, and Unction are optional or part of continued belonging
Feasts and Fasts
- Festivities are associated with the life of Jesus (Maranaya Perunal)
- Celebrations (Sundays, feasts and Lent)
- Lent (Valia Nombu). Ash Wednesday, Wednesday of the signing of the cross, 40 days of fasting, etc.
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Description
Explore the traditional narrative surrounding St. Thomas's mission in India, including his arrival on the Malabar coast, ministry to Jewish communities, and conversion of the Sudra caste. The text also touches on the historical accounts of Bartholomew's visit and the arrival of West Syrian families, adding layers of context and potential for interesting analysis.
