The People of God

Believers in the Indian Orthodox Church

Fr. C.C. Cherian

(Book 2)

Purpose

• To understand our calling as people of God

• For an active participation of all members

• To understand the mission of the people of God

• To learn about the various stages of Malankara Church History

UNIT III -

Participation of People of God in the Orthodox Church

Lesson 1 – Principles• Church is God’s People

– Clergy-Lay versus Minister-Believer– Common mission of the church; no private mission

• Royal Priesthood of all believers– Mission of Jesus continued (continued incarnation)

• Holy Communion – pivotal function of Church– “we offer” on behalf of whole creation

• Ordained ministry– Selected by the Church, ordained by Apostolic Authority and

Accepted by the Church are appointed by God. • Infallibility of Church

– Consensus fidelium (Ex. Arian heresy)• Autonomy & National character

– Faith in manner suited for time and place– Autocephaly

Lesson 2 – Malankara Gen. Survey

ArchdeaconJathikukarthavyan

Mar Thoma

1653

Mar Dionysius

1751

Catholicose

1912

1. His Holiness2. Baselios3. Mar Thoma4. Name

Lesson 3 – Upto 16th century

• Pally Yogam • Ancient Malayalam Titles for Priests

– Kathanar (Man of the Lord)– Vaidikan (Expert in vedas)– Kasseesa (Elder)

• Jathiku Karthavian (Archdeacon)

Lesson 4 – Portugese Reforms

• Birth of present day Syro-Malabar Rite

Lesson 5 – From 17th to 19th centuries

• Group remained independent of R.C.• British Missionaries • Antiochian Relations

– 1876, 1912

• Mar Ivanios – Syro Malankara

Lesson 6 – 20th century

• Constitution 1934• Participation

– Complete participation by all adults– Each Assembly can make decisions for itself– Faithful elected to leadership– Bishops selected by faithful – Mutual consent (Minister – faithful)