Worship
The concise statement of our Church’s faith is proclaimed in the
Nicene Creed
There is reference to St. Thomas in a Tamil account about
Kandappa Raja
Which of the following is NOT a sacrament? Holy Communion, Baptism, Offertory, Unction
Offertory
Reformation was a major concern for which of our Seminary professors
Abraham Malpan
What is the executive committee of the Mar Thoma Church?
Sabha Council
Why is the altar generally placed to the east
The direction of the rising sun, a symbol of the risen Christ
1 Peter 2:5 speaks about the believers and calls them to be a community of?
Priests
The church recognizes how many sacraments
7
Until which Bishop did we have Syriac liturgy, and which language did he translate it to
(Palakunnathu) Abraham Malpan started the celebration of Holy Qurbana in Malayalam.
For how many years is the Executive Committee, called the Sabha Council, elected by the Mandalam for?
3 years
Our worship service includes symbolism. The incense we used represent
sweet smelling sacrifice rising to God
the offering of our prayers to God
Laity is derived from the Greek word “Laos”. What is its meaning?
People
All of the following are changes brought by the Malpan Achen except
a. removed petitions through departed saints
b. serve bread and wine separately
c. added prayers for the dead
d. Holy Communion will not be celebrated when there is no one to receive the
c. added prayers for the dead
The synod of _______________ in 1599 forced the Indian church to accept the Roman doctrine and practices
Diamper
Who is the head of the Mar Thoma Church
Metropolitan (Methran)
The Bishops wear Masnapsa on their head as a sign of
Total Submission
Ancient Christianity had two forms
Eastern and Western
Eucharist is another term for
Holy Qurbana
In the USA, Marthoma church made its humble beginning in 1972, by a prayer group started in
New York
Mar Thoma Church has the following ordained ministries
Deacon, Priest and Bishop
List and explain any five elements or components of worship used in the Mar Thoma Church.
Worship: Worship of God through a corporate body experience which allows us to focus more on worshipping God as a corporate body rather than individuals.
Liturgy: Use of liturgy with theological phrases and scriptural portions
Symbolism: Placing of the altar towards the East since the sun rises in the east
Incense: Represents Sweet smelling sacrifice and prayers rising towards God
Candles: Representing the presence of God and that believers are called to be the light of the world
Vestments: Garments worn by the priest
Gestures: Outward expression of inner penitence, submission, and respect in the presence of God
What does the Mar Thoma church accept as the final authority of the church and which verses are used to support that clause (write out verses)?
The Holy Bible is the final authority and the verses used to support that clause are 2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17. (1 Point)
● First of all, you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God
● All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
List 5 prayers/practices that were removed from Thaksa; that did not carry scriptural base
Removed petitions addressed through the departed saints
● Removed prayers for the dead
● Decided to serve bread and wine separately
● Stopped the practice of private confession with the priest and receiving absolution before the communion.
● Holy Communion will not be celebrated when there is no one to receive communion
● Holy Communion is for participation and not for worship
List any five reformations Abraham Malpan made in the Malankara church
Started celebration of Holy Qurbana in Malayalam (until then liturgy was in Syriac)
Removed sections from Thaksa (Communion service book) that were not based on the Word of
God.
Decided to serve bread and wine separately
Made the liturgy as a book available for the use of common people to deepen their understanding
and participation in worship
Stopped the practice of private confession with the priest and receiving absolution before
communion.
Holy Communion is for participation and not for worship
Removed prayers for the dead.
All the decisions affecting the Mar Thoma Church are made by the
Sabha Pradhinithi Mandalam