Church History
How did Christianity come to India?
St. Thomas brought it to India in AD 52
When did St. Thomas pass away?
AD 72
Give the name of the man who's story is famously associated with baptism. Why was he so important?
Nicodemus. He asked Jesus how to be born again.
We are considered part of the Oriental Orthodox community. What are the names of all the Oriental Orthodox communities?
Indian Orthodox (us), Syrian Orthodox (Jacobites), Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Eritrean Orthodox
Why did St. Thomas come to India?
He was told to come to India. He didn't want to! Christ found a tradesman, and told the tradesman that He had a disciple to take with him
What was so distinct about when the Portuguese came to India?
They were surprised that Christianity was already in India. They were surprised the Indian Christians didn't know who the Pope was.
What does pouring the water on the baby/submerging the baby in the baptismal font represent?
Putting to death our fallen nature
Who is the current head of the Northeast American Diocese?
His Grace (H.G.) Zachariah Mor Nicholovos
Who were the first communities that early Christianity spread to in India? Why were they the first group?
Jews of India, the Bible was chosen for them
Where were the relics of St. Thomas transferred to? (Give the name of the location)
Edessa
Do we have infant baptisms? Does our church have adult baptisms?
Yes and yes
What are the two different oils used during Baptism?
Oil of Gladness used during the anointing part, Holy Mooron used during Chrismation
Which Syriac rite do we use for our Christian traditions?
West Syriac rite.
How times in our Orthodox calendar do we remember St. Thomas?
BONUS: Give the dates
Twice
Bonus: July 3, December 21
What is the role of the godparent in a child's religious life?
The Godparent accepts responsibility for watching over the person’s spiritual growth. The
Godparent also prepares themself through fasting, prayer, and Holy Confession.
Who was the first bishop of the Northeast American Diocese (NEAD)?
HG Thomas Mar Makarios
Explain Nestorianism
Teaching of Nestorius, 5th century Patriarch of Constantinople. Views Jesus as two separate people - Jesus the human, and Jesus the Divine, rejecting the concept of Mary as the "mother of God
What elements of the church of Persia do we still use today?
St. thomas cross (dove descending on top of cross with lotus flower), pronounciation of Syriac words (Qurbono vs Qurbana, Sleebo vs Sleeba etc.)
What are the parts of the baptismal service?
Renunciation of Satan and the acceptance of Christ, Anointing of the person, preparation of the baptismal font, removal of garments, immersion, Chrismation, crowning, and Holy Qurbana
Who is the current Catholicose of the East and Malankara Metropolitan?
Baselios Mar Thoma Mathews III