All about Jesus Christ, Christian and Indian Orthodox.
Christian believe in monotheistic God . Meaning – Holy Trinity is one God. (Father – Jehovah, Son – Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.) One in three and three in one.
Our religious text is called Holy Bible. It has two sections. One old testament and new testament. Testament means promise. So, basically old testament are fulfilled in new testament. New Testament is is timeline dating from Jesus Christ’s birth. The Holy Bible is often thought of as one book. However, it is actually a compilation of 66 different books written by 40 different authors. It record overall time span of nearly 4,000 years.
There 5 major events around Jesus Christ which is the main focus Christianity :
¹ Christmas : 25 December is celebrated for birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem, Jerusalem. Reference Matthew 2; Luke 2 from new testament. No, Christmas is not about Santa Claus and gifts. St.Nicholas happens to be the saint who used give food to needy in the night that’s why Santa Claus happens to carry gift. It’s just festivity that we created and it’s not biblical. Roughly 200 years ago from new testament era , a prophecy was told about a virgin who shall conceive a Messiah was prophesied in Old testament – Isaiah 7:1-17.
Blessed Mother Mary is the prophesied holy virgin saint. Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Blessed Mother Mary is considered to be full of grace and Holy Spirit. She is holiest of holiest saint. We don’t worship her but ask her to intercede for us to God like a dear mother would (John 2:1-11). This is being celebrated on Christmas.
² Crucifixion / Good Friday: We Christians believe that Christ died on the cross for our sins to save mankind from their eternal damnation that’s why it’s good. John 3:16. This was also hinted in old testament. Psalms 22. Events recorded in Luke 23:33-34.
We fast for 40 days fast to prepare ourselves for Good Friday. Moses and Elijah from Old Testament fasted for 40 days. Even Christ fasted for 40 days. (Mannat concept is not biblical but it’s practiced. It more like falls into story of Jacob didn’t let go of holding God’s leg till he was blessed. Genesis 32:26 )
³ Easter/ Resurrection : We believe Christ resurrected on third day like Noah from old testament (O.T) was in belly of fish. Christ died and was alive on the third day. Matthew 28:5-6 (N. T) Mark 8:12
⁴ Ascension + Pentecost: Jesus Christ’s Ascension, in Christian belief, Jesus Christ ascended into heaven on the 40th day after his Resurrection. Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:1-3
The Holy Spirit came 50 days after the resurrection i.e 10 days after the ascension.
⁵ Second coming of Christ:We Christians are waiting for this to happen. We believe that Christ will come second time but to judge everyone. He will come from East. That’s why Christian pray facing East. (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21:5–26; John 14:25–29 and the Book of Revelation)
Might have heard references about second coming in movies: Rapture, anti Christ, second seal, four horsemen.
There are many events and lents but these 5 are main. Christianity revolves around these 5 events of Christ.
Basically, Christian has 3 major denomination:
¹.Catholics
².Orthodox
³. Protestants
In your social studies lessons, you might have heard about Martin Luther. That’s where Catholics and protestants come in. There are many sub division.
We all where just one Christian later on divided on the basis theological difference.
I am from orthodox denomination. Also, nothing to with Russian one. I am an Indian Malankara Orthodox Syrian Christian. We are oriental orthodox Christian. Our head bishop is Indian and our head quarters is Kerala, India. Our traditions and practices also include: Married woman’s pendant (tali mala), lamp etc. No, I have nothing to do with Russia or Rome,Italy. In our churches footwear isn’t allowed inside the church. In AD 52 St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostle of Lord Jesus Christ came to India and established this church. Foreign Missionary/colonisers from other countries (like Portuguese) tried demolish us but we fought. Our forefathers took an oath that we will remain true to orthodox customs, ways, belief, faith and will not mix with other missionaries. This day historically is called Koonan Cross. (Bend cross). One more thing orthodox does not being kattar Christian. We are just peaceful believers, minding our own customs and practices.
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