Guest Speaker: Father Peter Greek Orthodox Flashcards
Apostolic succession
Ministry of the Christian church is held to be derived from the apostles by a continuous succession
Beliefs
New and Old Testament
Holy tradition: writings, teachings, lives of the apostles, saints, martyrs, oral tradition of the early church
5 patristics - Rome Constantinople Alexandria Antioch Jerusalem
The creed
Foundation of core foundations
Nicene creed
7 sacraments
Obligatory:
- baptism
- confession
- Eucharist, holy communion
Optional:
- marriage
- holy orders
- unction (an ointment of the sick), pray and anoint him with oil (health and healing)
Ecumenism
Refers to efforts by christians of different church traditions to develop closer relationships and better understandings
Sacraments are called
Celebration of faith
Non sacramental blessings
Funeral
40 day baby blessing
What constitutes a human being?
Against abortion
Once a fetus is conceptualized a human is born
Genesis chapter 2
What happens after a person dies? Resurrection?
Body decomposes but it is not lost
Time of judgement - reunited with the soul
Immediately after death the soul is judged individually
Paradise or hell
Final judgment - all people will be
presented before him to be judged
Eternal hell or heaven
Heaven is in the presence of god , hell is without
exorcism
Devil= fallen angel
God will destroy him in the last few days
God is eternal
Salvation from evil , to follow god
God sent his apostles to cast out devils
Evil eye- best to do house blessings
Church forbids people to look at magic, rituals
Exorcist: olive oil and small glass water , if the oil in the water forms an eye = sign of devil
Funeral
Affects the family and church
Comforts those who mourn
Termination of one stage of life
Vigil service - 3 holy
The funeral service is continued After the church
Helps us deal with emotions during death and after death
Death is not the end - hopes in an afterlife
Order of funeral service
Hymns, prayers Psalms are read Blessings 8 distinct tones Scripture readings Kiss of peace Anointing of the body Open casket funerals Pay respects Anointed with oil and wine, cemetery for actual burial
Memorial services
3,6,9, 40 day
3 months, 6 months, 9 months
Continue to have opportunity to grow closer to god
3 Saturday’s throughout the year dedicated to the dead
Boiled wheat- symbol of the resurrection
Church militant (those on earth) Church triumphant (passed and gone to heaven reunited with god)
Cremation
Against it
Body must be in tact
Exceptions to accidents
Body is given from god, must be present at death
Martyr
Those who died because of their faith
St Demetrius - commander in the Roman army
Nestor was one of his disciples
St Demetrius put a prayer of Nestor went into the arena and killed the gladiator
Strongly believed in saints
