lesson11 Flashcards
What is the Syriac origin of the word Koodasa (sacrament)
kadesh
Define Sacrament?
pure oath
Why are the Sacraments also called as a Mystery?
In Greek language, the word “mysterion” indicates the Holy Sacraments.
What are the constituents of the Holy Sacrament?
The Performer: The person responsible to perform the Holy Sacrament is the
performer. Only those appointed after valid laying of hands (kaivepu) are empowered to
perform Holy Sacraments. “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of
the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the
Lord” (St James 5:14). The God Himself is the performer.
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b) The Materials/Objects for Performance: The materials required for the performance
of Sacrament are the objects for performance. For example, the material for baptism are
the water, Olive oil, Holy Mooron etc.
c) The Image of Performance: The prayers and the processes joined together; as
commanded by the Church for the performance of the Sacrament is the image of
performance. For each Sacrament, there is separate image of performance.
d) The Receiver: The receiver is the one who receives the sacrament with faith and
reverence.
How many Sacraments are there? What are they
- The Number of Sacraments
The following are the seven Sacraments in the Holy Church:
I. Holy Baptism: The Lord instituted this Sacrament, after his resurrection and before
His ascension, when Jesus said to his disciples, “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (St Mathew 28:18-19). This
Sacrament came into practice on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:37-
39). The demise of our old bodily life and the spiritual birth into the
heavenly life is occurring through the Holy Baptism. Through this,
gifts of blessings like rebirth, justification, and acceptance as son /
daughter are received.
II. Holy Mooron: This Sacrament is performed as a mark of anointment of Holy Spirit.
The Holy Mooron is the perfume and fragrance of Messiah and the
sign and seal of accomplishment of true faith and benedictions of the
Holy Spirit.
III. Holy Eucharist: The Holy Eucharist or Holy Qurbana, is known as the queen of
Sacraments and was instituted by our Lord (St Luke 22:19-20), (1
Corinthians 11:23-25). Forgiveness of sins, redemption from debts
and everlasting life are obtained though the Holy Qurbana. It makes
us as sinless as Adam was before his fall.
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IV. Holy Confession: Jesus conferred on His disciples the authority to forgive sins (St
Mathew 16:19). This authority is prevalent in the Church through the
disciples. The Holy Confession is the Sacrament of giving
forgiveness of sin.
V. Holy Matrimony: The Holy Matrimony is a Sacrament instituted by God. Considering
that it is not good for man to remain single, God gave him a woman
as companion to live with him. He also commanded that both of them
would, thereafter, be one. (Genesis 2: 18-25). Through this
Sacrament, man gets the boon of grace to build up a divine family in
mutual love and respect; under the upbringing of God.
VI. Holy Priesthood: Priesthood is a Sacrament instituted by God (Exodus 28). Only those
who have obtained Priesthood have the authority to perform other
Sacraments.
VII. Anointment of sick with Holy Oil: When Jesus deputes the disciples for preaching the
Gospel, they had healed the sick, by anointing them with oil. (St
Mark 6:13). Forgiveness of sin and cure from disease are obtained
through this Sacrament.
