Grade 6 - Christian Churches and the Mar Thoma Church

Foundations and Vision Grade 6

Lesson 1 - Christian Churches: A General Introduction

• Aim:

  • To learn the beginning of Christian Churches.

  • To study what is common to all churches.

• Verse: Colossians 1:18

• The beginning of Christian Church: Refer to Acts Chapter 1 & 2.

• When:

  • The events in the first chapter of the Book of Acts took place between 29-30 A.D.

  • These events all occurred within 50 days of Jesus’ resurrection.

  • The events in the second chapter of the Book of Acts took place between 29-30 A.D.

  • These events occurred approximately 50 days after Jesus’ resurrection

• Where:

  • The major events of Acts 1 happened in-and-around the city of Jerusalem.

  • Jesus ascended near the town of Bethany, just east of Jerusalem (Luke 24:50).

• Characters:

  • Jesus - The Messiah. At the end of Luke’s gospel, He died and resurrected on the 3rd day.

  • 11 Apostles - Jesus’ disciples and witnesses of His resurrection.

  • 2 Men at the Ascension - Two men (likely angels) dressed in white robes who spoke to the Apostles after Jesus ascended to Heaven.

  • Matthias - The man chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as the 12th Apostle.

  • Holy Spirit - God’s Spirit who empowered the Apostles to continue Jesus’ work on earth.

• Ordinary people became extraordinary when they received the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Church grew rapidly in spite of oppression and persecution from other religious leaders, and Roman government who consider the Christians as anti-nationalists.

• In 4th century, Roman Emperor Constantine accepted Christianity and granted freedom of religion through the Edict of Milan.

• The church exists for its mission.

  • The mission of the church.

  • How to grow the mission of the church.

• The Apostles were told to wait in Jerusalem until God empowered them with His Holy Spirit. It was only after receiving the Spirit that they could move forward.

• Dependence on God’s power and guidance are essential for the success of the Church. Just like the Apostles, ambitions should be grounded in the power of God working through us, not on the cleverness of our own plans and ingenuity.

• When making decisions, even when the answer seems clear, we should ask God for help.

• Committing your life to Christ is a HUGE commitment and should not be entered into lightly.

• Characteristics common to all Churches

  • The church is Holy: People are set apart for the rule of God. In the world of sin and chaos, the church continually struggles to maintain her true character and holiness.

  • The church is catholic, that is universal, in its relation to all people of faith in Jesus Christ.

  • The church is apostolic. The disciples of Christ were sent by the Lord with a commission to bear witness to the gospel. We are born as the result of the apostolic preaching.

  • The church is a worshipping community as we acknowledge the Lordship of God in Christ and adores God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, i.e., the God as the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer.

  • The church is a pilgrim community. Through worship, the community is sustained, fed and strengthened for the journey. The goal of the church through its constant mission is to continue the offering for all people at the altar of the Lord.

Lesson 2 - The Malankara Church

• Aim: To overview the growth of the church in the Malabar region.

• Verse: Matthew 28:18-20

• St. Thomas established 7 churches in the Malabar region. The Church near Kanyakumari was a small one, Arappally means Half Church. He continued his mission and died a martyr's death near Madras, at St. Thomas Mount.

• Syrian / Persian Connection

  • Thomas of Cana

  • Nestorian Liturgy was in Aramaic

• Roman Catholic Connection

  • The arrival of Vasco de Gama in 1498

  • Diamper Synod - compelling to embrace Roman Catholic liturgy

• Declaration of Independence

  • Coonan Cross Oath

  • Archdeacon Thomas consecrated as Bishop - Mar Thoma I

  • Churches from Antioch, Babylon, Jerusalem, Alexandria supported

• Jacobite

  • In 1665, Mar Gregorious of Jerusalem arrived in Malabar coast at the invitation of Malankara Christians

• Anglican

  • In 1806, Claudius Buchanan from Church of England met with Mar Dionysius the Great.

  • This resulted in the translation of gospels in Malayalam in 1811.

  • Seminary founded at Kottayam in 1813

  • Missionaries - Thomas Norton, Benjamin Bailey, Henry Baker, Joseph Fenn

• Branches & Denominations of Saint Thomas Christians

  • Pazhayakoor

    • Syro-Malabar Catholic Church (1552, 1601, 1887)

    • Chaldean Syrian Church (431, 1552, 1908)

    • Jacobite Syrian Christian Church (1665, 1911, 1975)

    • Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (1912, 1975)

    • Syro-Malankara Catholic Church (1930)

  • Puthenkoor

    • Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church (1898)

    • St. Thomas Evangelical Church of India (1961)

    • Malabar Independent Syrian Church (1772)

  • Saint Thomas Christians in Other Churches:

    • Latin Catholic Church of Malabar (1291)

    • Church of South India (1836, 1947)

    • India Evangelical Lutheran Church (1841, 1909)

    • Pentecostal Churches (1911)

    • Believers Eastern Church (1993, 2017)

Lesson 3 - Mar Thoma Church and Reformation

• Aim:

  • Reformation that transformed the Malankara Church.

  • Continue the spirit of reformation through the Mar Thoma church.

• Verse: Psalm 119:105

• Root causes

  • Realization of spiritual exile in the church.

  • People did not understand the meaning of the worship.

  • The worship was held in Syrian language, not Malayalam.

• What is Reformation? Reformation means making changes to something with the intention of setting it back on the right path. When there is a need for purification of the church from within.

• Abraham Malpan

  • The pioneer in the Malankara Church reformation.

  • A teacher in Kottayam Seminary.

  • Along with 11 other priests submitted a memorandum “The Trumpet Call of Reformation” to British Resident in 1836 suggesting the need for changes in the church.

  • Translated Syrian liturgy into Malayalam.

  • Celebrated Holy Qurbana in Malayalam at his native place, Maramon.

• Practices discarded

  • Mediation through saints

  • Prayer and adoration to Virgin Mary

  • Prayer and mass for the dead

  • Auricular Confession

  • False teachings and practices of boldly penance

• Revival steps in all spheres of church life

  • Return to the Gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Clean up wrong ways of life like superstitions.

  • Take up the responsibility to be witness of Jesus Christ.

  • Lead and Study the Word of God.

  • Live a life in accordance with the Word of God.

Lesson 4 - The Administration of the Mar Thoma Church

• Aim:

  • Reformation that changed our perception and values on church administration.

  • The various organization and representative bodies within the Mar Thoma church

• Verse: Psalm 119:15-16

• Abraham Malpan reformed the church on the basis of Word of God.

• Abraham Malpan was excommunicated because of the Reformation principles he upheld.

• Abraham Malpan held to his conviction that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures.

• The reformed group continued in the apostolic faith and accepted the name “The Mar Thoma Syrian Church”.

• The church would retain its Episcopal traditions.

• The church would uphold its independence and retain its vernacular character.

• Administrative bodies: Through the centuries, the Mar Thoma church has always engaged in social, political, and religious issues which affects the people, and has overcome great trials and tribulations, since its infancy, while staying true to its calling, faith and heritage, ever upholding, its Motto: Lighted To Lighten.

  • Episcopal Synod: Consisting of all the Bishops of the Church, the Episcopal Synod helps the Metropolitan in general administration. The Synod approves the decisions of the Prathinidhi Mandalam and the Diocesan assemblies. Preparation & publishing of the liturgy is also done by the Synod, in addition to transfer and posting of clergy.

  • Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam: This is the house of representatives, the apex body of the Church, consisting of the Metropolitan, all other Bishops, Vicars General, representatives of clergy and parishes, representatives of the recognised Institutions of the Church, representatives of those who have become members of the Church as a result of the missionary work of the Church and persons nominated by the Metropolitan.

  • Sabha Council: Sabha Council is the Executive Committee of the Mandalam. The Metropolitan is the President of the Sabha Council, all Bishops, the Senior Vicar General, the Trustees and Secretary are ex-officio members of the Council. The other members are elected from Dioceses by the Mandalam Members for three years. The council has the power to implement the decisions of the Mandalam which are approved by the Synod and confirmed by the Metropolitan. The Sabha Council is also an advisory body to the Metropolitan.

  • Diocesan Administration: is headed by a Bishop

  • Regional Administration

  • The prominent organizations of the church:

    • Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (set up in 1888)

    • Mar Thoma Sunday School Samajam (1905)

    • Mar Thoma Suvishesha Sevika Sanghom (1919)

    • Mar Thoma Voluntary Evangelistic Association (1924)

    • Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam (1933)

    • Mar Thoma Students conference (1910)

    • Department of Sacred Music and Communications (1969)

    • Malankara Mar Thoma Sabha Development Department (1977)

    • Mar Thoma Senior Citizens Fellowship (2022)

  • All organizations have their own committees on the Diocesan and Regional level to plan and execute the activities of the respective organization.

  • Diocese is divided into Centres along with Parishes.

  • Parish:

    • More than 1200 parishes

    • Vicar of the church functions as the president of the parish administration.

    • Policy matters are decided by the General Body which consists of all communicant members of 18 years or above.

    • Policies implemented by the Executive Committee, that is elected by General Body.

    • Supported by the parish members with voluntary contributions

• Mar Thoma Bishops

  • The Metropolitan ❖ His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan

  • Suffragan Metropolitan

    1. Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan

    2. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Barnabas Suffragan Metropolitan

  • Episcopas

    1. Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa

    2. Rt. Rev. Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa

    3. Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa

    4. Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa

    5. Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa

    6. Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa

    7. Rt. Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem Episcopa

    8. Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa

    9. Rt. Rev. Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa

• Mar Thoma Dioceses

  1. ADOOR DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Mathews Mar Seraphim Episcopa

  2. CHENGANNUR – MAVELIKKARA DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Euyakim Mar Coorilos Suffragan Metropolitan

  3. CHENNAI – BANGALORE DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa

  4. DELHI DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Zacharias Mar Aprem Episcopa

  5. KOTTARAKARA – PUNALUR DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Theethos Episcopa

  6. KOTTAYAM – KOCHI DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Thomas Mar Timotheos Episcopa

  7. KUNNAMKULAM – MALABAR DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathews Mar Makarios Episcopa

  8. MALAYSIA – SINGAPORE – AUS – NZ DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Gregorios Mar Stephanos Episcopa

  9. MUMBAI DIOCESE Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa

  10. NIRANAM – MARAMON DIOCESE His Grace The Most Rev. Dr. Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan

  11. NORTH AMERICA DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Mar Paulos Episcopa

  12. RANNI – NILACKAL DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mar Barnabas Suffragan Metropolitan

  13. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – KOLLAM DIOCESE Rt. Rev. Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos Episcopa

  14. UK- EUROPE – AFRICA DIOCESE Rt. Rev. PD Dr. Joseph Mar Ivanios Episcopa

Lesson 5 - Global Outreach of the Mar Thoma Church

• Aim:

  • Global presence of Mar Thoma church

  • To realize how the Mar Thoma community has grown in America, rooted in faith and loyal to the church

• Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:7 & 9

• 1972 - first regular Mar Thoma service held in New York

• 1980 - entered into an agreement with the Episcopal Church of North America to enable growth in the USA through the vision of the late Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Mar Athanasius Suffragan Metropolitan

• 1988 - The Diocese of North America and Europe recognized with Rt. Rev. Dr. Philipose Mar Chrysostom Suffragan Metropolitan as the first diocesan bishop

• The Maramon Convention, the annual spiritual meet organized by the Mar Thoma Church on the banks of the River Pamba, Kozhencherry near the Church’s headquarters is acclaimed as one of the largest Christian gatherings in the world

• Ashrams:

  1. Christukula Ashram-Satna

  2. Suvartha Premi Samithi-Uttharakhand

  3. Mar Thoma Sanyasini Samooham-Elanthoor

  4. Santhigiri Ashram-Aluva

  5. Mar Thoma Dayaraya Samooham-Punalur

  6. Christu Dasa Ashram-Palakkad

  7. Christa Panthi Ashram-Sihora

  8. Christu Mitra Ashram-Ankola

Old Testament

• The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, consists of several sections:

  • Pentateuch (also called Torah or Five Books of Moses): Includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

  • History: Includes Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.

  • Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs.

  • Prophets: Includes Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel,

  • Minor Prophets: Includes Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Lesson 1 - Christian Churches: A General Introduction

• Aim: Learn the beginnings of Christian Churches and what is common to all churches.

• Verse: Colossians 1:18

• Key Points:

  • Beginning:

    • Refer to Acts Chapter 1 & 2.

    • Events around 29-30 A.D., within 50 days of Jesus’ resurrection.

  • Location:

    • Major events in and around Jerusalem; Jesus ascended near Bethany.

  • Key Characters:

    • Jesus: The Messiah who died and resurrected.

    • 11 Apostles: Disciples and witnesses of the resurrection.

    • Holy Spirit: Empowered Apostles for their mission.

  • Church Growth:

    • Grew rapidly despite oppression.

    • 4th century: Constantine accepted Christianity.

  • Mission of the Church:

    • Focus on dependence on God's power and guidance.

    • Importance of seeking God's help in decisions.

  • Common Characteristics of all Churches:

    • Holy, Catholic (universal), Apostolic, Worshipping community, Pilgrim community.

Lesson 2 - The Malankara Church

• Aim: Overview of church growth in the Malabar region.

• Verse: Matthew 28:18-20

• Key Points:

  • St. Thomas Mission: Established 7 churches in Malabar; martyred near Madras.

  • Connections:

    • Syrian/Persian via Thomas of Cana; Nestorian Liturgy.

    • Roman Catholic via Vasco de Gama in 1498 and the Diamper Synod.

  • Independence:

    • Coonan Cross Oath; Archdeacon Thomas became Mar Thoma I.

  • Jacobite and Anglican Influences:

    • Mar Gregorious in 1665; Claudius Buchanan’s contributions in 1806.

  • Branches of Saint Thomas Christians:

    • Pazhayakoor and Puthenkoor churches, along with other various churches.

Lesson 3 - Mar Thoma Church and Reformation

• Aim: Understand the Reformation in the Malankara Church.

• Verse: Psalm 119:105

• Key Points:

  • Reformation: Changes to set the church on the right path.

  • Key Figure: Abraham Malpan, who translated liturgy into Malayalam and called for changes in 1836.

  • Practices Discarded: Mediation through saints, prayers to Virgin Mary, and other practices.

  • Revival Steps:

    • Return to Gospel teachings, clean up superstitions, and live according to God’s Word.

Lesson 4 - The Administration of the Mar Thoma Church

• Aim: Reformation of church administration.

• Verse: Psalm 119:15-16

• Key Points:

  • Abraham Malpan excommunicated for Reformation principles.

  • Church structure includes:

    • Episcopal Synod: Oversees administration and liturgy.

    • Sabha Prathinidhi Mandalam: Upper House of Representatives.

    • Sabha Council: Executive committee, implements decisions.

    • Regional and Diocesan Administration led by Bishops.

    • Prominent organizations support community service and evangelism.

  • Parish Administration:

    • Over 1200 parishes with Vicar leading each one.

Lesson 5 - Global Outreach of the Mar Thoma Church

• Aim: Understand the global presence of the Mar Thoma Church.

• Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:7 & 9

• Key Points:

  • 1972: First service in New York.

  • 1980: Agreement with the Episcopal Church.

  • 1988: Diocese of North America and Europe established.

  • Annual Maramon Convention: One of the largest Christian gatherings.

  • Ashrams Established in Various Locations for spiritual missions across India.

• 1990: Establishment of the Youth Movement to engage younger generations in church activities.

• 1999: International Mar Thoma Church Conference held to promote unity and collaboration among churches worldwide.

• Aim: Understand the global presence of the Mar Thoma Church.

• Verse: 1 Corinthians 3:7 & 9

• Key Points:

  • 1972: First service in New York.

  • 1980: Agreement with the Episcopal Church.

  • 1988: Diocese of North America and Europe established.

  • Annual Maramon Convention: One of the largest Christian gatherings.

  • Ashrams Established in Various Locations for spiritual missions across India.