Divyabodhanam Book 2 (The People of God) - Unit 3

1. The People of God
Believers in the Indian Orthodox Church
Fr. C.C. Cherian
(Book 2)

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

3. UNIT III -
Participation of People of God in
the Orthodox Church

4. 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

5. Lesson 2 – Malankara Gen. Survey
Mar Thoma Mar Dionysius Catholicose
Archdeacon
Jathikukarthavyan 1653 1912
1751
1. His Holiness
2. Baselios
3. Mar Thoma
4. Name

6. 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)

7. Lesson 4 – Portugese Reforms
• Birth of present day Syro-Malabar Rite

8. Lesson 5 – From 17th to 19th
centuries
• Group remained independent of R.C.
• British Missionaries
• Antiochian Relations
– 1876, 1912
• Mar Ivanios – Syro Malankara

9. 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)