The Faith and Sacraments of The Mar Thoma Church

(QUESTION BANK)

A BRIEF HISTORY AND FAITH OF THE MAR THOMA CHURCH

Question – 1
The tradition holds that , in 52 A.D., St Thomas in the course of his missionary adventure landed at
Crangannore (Kodungaloor) a port on the coast of Malabar. He visited several places and preached the gospel
of salvation and gained many followers from the local community.
1) St. Thomas founded how many churches along the coast line?
7 churches
2) Where was St. Thomas martyred and buried in which year?
Mylapore near Madras and buried in AD 72.

Question – 2
There were two priests associated with the missionaries in the work of the seminary and the spiritual life and
teachings emphasized by the missionaries had a great appeal for them?
Abraham Malpan of Palakunnathu, Maramon
Geevarghese Malpan of Kaithayil, Puthupally, Kottayam.

Question – 3
Whose vision was “Evangelism is the task of every Christain”, which lead to the formation of Mar Thoma
Voluntary Evangelists Association and Suvishesha Sevikasangham.
Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan.

Question – 4
What is a Liturgical Year or a Christian Calendar?
Events of Christ – birth, Circumcision, Baptism, Presentation in the temple, Public Ministry,
Transfiguration, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Pentecost are celebrated in a
progressive manner. This arrangement is called the Christian Calendar

Question -5
What festival falls in the last Sunday of October or the 1st first Sunday of November?
The Sanctification of the Church. (this is when the church is presented as a bride of Christ who is prepared for its
marriage)

Question -5
What is the three days lent before the great Lent is known as?
The fast of Nineveh

THE THEOLOGY OF SACRAMENTS: A HISTORICAL REVIEW

Question -1
In the book of Acts and Epistles particularly St. Paul, there are two sacraments directly commanded by Christ.
What are they?
Baptism and Holy Communion.

Question -2
In one of St. John’s Gospel, in one of the verse its says “Jesus tells Nicodemus, “I say to you, unless one is
born of …………. And ………………. You cannot enter the kingdom of GOD”
Water and the Spirit.

Question -3
How many seven sacraments and what are they?
Holy Baptism
Confirmation
Confession
Holy Communion
Holy Matrimony
Ordination
Anointing the sick.

Question -4
What is the declaration during the time of Baptism?
“I renounce satan and I believe in the Messiah”

Question -5
Few sacraments are not repeated in one’s life?
Baptism and Ordination

HOLY BAPTISM

Question -1
When Jesus was baptized, ……….. was opened and he saw the spirit of GOD descending like a ………. .
Heaven, Dove

Question -2
What is considered as the cleansing agent throughout the bible?
Water

Question -3
What is poured into the water the bring the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT?
Mooron(HOLY OIL)

Question -4
What is applied to the forehead of the child by drawing a sign of cross and says “As a token of being born
anew as a child of GOD is sealed with holy oul in the name of the father, and of the son and of the holy spirit?
Sythe (OLIVE OIL)

Question -5
GOD father/Mother repeats this declaration three times “I renounce Satan”, holding which hand of the
candidate cause that had presumed represents evil?
Left Hand

CONFESSION

Question -1
……………..is the accepted means in the church for the healing of sinners?
Confession

Question -2
What are the prerequisites for forgiveness of sins?
1. Acceptance of guilt of sin and repentance
2. Willingness to confess

THE HOLY COMMUNION

Question -1
It is believed that this person is the writer of the Liturgy (order of Holy Qurbana). Name this person?
James the Apostle who was the brother of Jesus

Question -2
What represents the reconciliation with GOD and among the fellow being. This was the direction of Christ to
everyone before coming together for the communion?
Prayer of Peace (Kayya Soori)

Question -3
What represents the removal of “Sosappa”?
The mystery is open to all. It is open to everybody.