What does "catechumen" mean?
'one who hears' or, 'the learner’
What is Holy Chrism (Mooron), and who is involved in its consecration?
Holy Chrism (Mooron) is the sacred, specially prepared oil used for anointing during Chrismation and church consecrations. The consecration of Holy Chrism is a highly solemn service led by the Catholicos (the supreme head of our Church) along with the bishops (Metropolitans).
How many chapters in the book of St. Mark?
16
What does "autocephalous" mean?
Self governing
What does the word "regeneration" mean in the context of Holy Baptism?
Regeneration means being spiritually reborn or made new. Through the waters of Baptism, our old, broken nature (inherited from ancestral sin) is washed away, and we are given a brand-new spiritual life in Christ.
What do we receive during the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation?
In Holy Chrismation, which immediately follows Holy Baptism, we receive the "seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." The priest anoints various parts of the child's body with Holy Mooron, marking them as a temple of the living God.
How many times is the word "immediately" used in the Gospel of St. Mark?
40 times
What religious event happened in the Malankara Orthodox church in 1912?
Split between the Indian Orthodox church (us) and the Syrian Orthodox Church (Jacobites) over the extent of the authority of the Patriarch of Antioch
Why do we receive a white "Baptismal Garment" during the sacrament, and what does it symbolize?
The white baptismal garment symbolizes spiritual purity, cleanliness, and being "clothed in Christ" (Galatians 3:27). It represents the clean slate and the radiant light of the Holy Spirit that the child receives upon emerging from the baptismal font.
Why does the priest anoint different parts of our body (like our forehead, eyes, ears, chest, hands, and feet) with Holy Mooron?
Anointing each part of the body sanctifies our senses, thoughts, and actions. It seals our entire being so that our eyes see God's beauty, our ears hear His word, our hands do His work, and our feet walk in His paths.
Who was the book of St. Mark written to?
Christian community in Rome, which either was experiencing the great persecution by Nero or apocalyptic fervor by the Jewish war
What is miaphysitism?
Jesus' divine and human sides are one
How does Holy Baptism serve as our initiation into Eternal Life?
Baptism is not just a symbolic ritual; it is our actual entrance into the Church, which is the Body of Christ. By dying and rising with Christ in the font, we are united to His resurrection, marking the beginning of our lifelong journey toward eternal life and union with God (theosis).
How long does it take to make the Holy Mooron? When does the the rite happen?
The preparation of the Holy Mooron, for about 7 seven hours, is the longest ceremony in the Church and the rite is performed on the 40th Friday of Great Lent. It is a detailed process. Chrism is made from around 40 different ingredients from around the world.
What is the unforgivable sin?
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (St. Mark 3:28-30)
What is the opposite of miaphysitism?
Dyophysitism - two distinct natures of Jesus
Why do we practice infant baptism?
The Church baptizes infants because God's grace, love, and salvation are free gifts offered to everyone, regardless of age. Just as Jewish infants were brought into the Old Covenant through circumcision, Christian infants are welcomed into the New Covenant. We believe children are fully capable of experiencing the Holy Spirit and growing up inside the safety and nurturing environment of the Church family from their very first days.
What is the process of making the Holy Mooron called?
The process of making Holy Mooron is called the Mooron Koodasha in Malayalam. In the Malankara Orthodox Church the head of the Church, His Holiness the Catholicose leads the Mooron Koodasha, and the entire Holy Episcopal Synod, along with 12 priests, 12 deacons (Shemmashans), and 12 subdeacons assist him. The process is the same also in the Syriac Orthodox Church.
The Orthodox Study Bible uses which version of the traditional Bible?
New King James Version (NKJV)
What type of Christians were the Portuguese who came to India?
Catholics