The Reunion of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Division of the Church

• Jesus Christ came to unite all mankind in Him, but divisions arose over the centuries, leading to separate Churches and ecclesial communities in the East and West.
• The division in Kerala was not due to doctrinal differences, but rather a reaction to the highhanded activities of Western Portuguese missionaries, resulting in the loss of visible communion with the Catholic Church.

The Reunion Attempts

• The Coonan Cross Oath was taken to preserve the identity and individuality of the Apostolic Church, but it led to further divisions and subdivisions.
• Despite this, the craving for reunion remained alive in the community, and several leaders of the various factions of the Malankara Church tried to reunite the community.

The Reunion of 1930

• The reunion of 1930 was the culmination of centuries-long attempts to reunite the Malankara community.
• The initiative for communion came from within the Malankara Church, without external force or persuasion from the Roman Catholic Church.
• This ecumenical activity was seen as the fulfillment of God's will, and it has been blessed with abundant vocations and missionary activity.

Mar Ivanios' Vision

• Mar Ivanios believed that communion with the successor of Peter in Rome would bring about lasting peace and progress for the Malankara Church.
• He realized that isolated existence of separated groups was contrary to the will of Christ, and that united witnessing is more fruitful than that of tiny groups.

The Reunion's Significance

• The Reunion of 1930 was preceded by intense spiritual renewal in the Orthodox Church.
• Mar Ivanios' entry into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church meant communion with the whole Catholic Church throughout the world.
• The Reunion of 1930 proved that unity is essential for effective witnessing and missionary activity.

This quiz explores the history of divisions and reunions within Christianity, focusing on the unity and communion of the Church of Christ. It discusses the separation of groups from the Church and the formation of separate bodies and communities.