ABOUT THE HOLY SACRAMENTS
Sacraments are the visible operations of invisible graces, ordained and instituted by our Lord, which are necessary for the salvation of mankind. These are also called Divine Mysteries.
Among the seven Sacraments
(1) Baptism, (2) Holy Qurbana, (3) Confession, (4) Chrismation, (5) Priesthood (Ordination), (6) Matrimony and (7) Anointing the sick,
(8) five are intended for all the faithful, and other two, priesthood and matrimony, are only for those who want to have them.
The Sacraments are to be received with the appropriate preparation and eligibility for each of them. Those who received them thus, will get the grace of God, and also increase the grace in them.
(1) John 3:5 No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
(2) John 6:53 So Jesus said to them, Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.
(3) James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
(4) 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you.
(5) Heb. 5:4 And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
(6) Matthew 19:6 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.
(7) James 5:14 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.
(8) Num. 8: 1,2 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and say to him: When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand. Num.4.2";
ABOUT HOLY BAPTISM
Baptism is the first among the Sacraments. Other sacraments shall not be received before receiving Holy Baptism. (1) Through baptism, one gets sonship (of God) and becomes eligible for remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (3) And for the fellowship in the company of the children of God. (4) But sacraments like baptism shall be received with devotion and faith; (5) because, sonship and love of God are obtained through faith. (6) Things like Chrism, olive oil and water which are used in sacraments like baptism, actions like making the baptize and confess the faith, laying of hands, breathing on the candidate, making the sign of the cross on the forehead etc. signify the graces which are received from God, and also things we are obliged to believe in and act upon, and those things that Christ did, as well as the invisible operations of the Spirit of God.
This is called Mamoodeeso(baptism) which means 'bathing' or 'washing', because those who receive baptism with true faith and devotion are washed clean of defilements, with water. (7) It is also called light, since, by this one is made to move from darkness of ignorance, and approach the divine light. (8) Baptism is also called ‘rebirth', since those who are born again from the womb of baptism, are children of grace. Since all humanity is condemned to punishment by God, not only due to sins of action, but also due to the original sin; and that forgiveness of sins and grace of God are obtained through baptism.
(9) The grace of baptism shall not be denied to little children. There shall be an assigned mediator in baptism for the following purposes- to show their deep desire for the salvation of children, to stand as representatives of children and to do things like confession of faith on their behalf, in the baptism of little children, to be persons responsible to teach children true faith and the like. (10)There is only one baptism for the remission of Sins. therefore, if a person, after being baptised, forsakes his faith in Christ, but later believes and come back, it is not necessary to baptize him once again.
He should be received back solely on the basis of his repentance. However, the baptism conducted by heretics who have discarded the true faith of the church, and those who do not have the lawful laying of hands in ordination ,is to be reckoned as lacking perfection. Instead, as prescribed in the Hoodaya Canon, the faith position of each heretic shall be examined, and accordingly, some are only to be anointed with the prayers of anointing with 0il; some others are only made to abjure their heresy; and some others are to be baptized using the entire order of service.
(I) Gal. 3:27 As many of you as were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 29. And if you belong to Christ then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise. John 3:5
(2) Act. 22:16. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name. Act. 2:38 Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of Holy Spirit.
(3) 1 Cor.12:13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
(4) Act. 8:36, 38 and the eunuch said, Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptised? and then Philip baptized him.
(5) Gal. 3:26. For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.
(6) Rom. 6. 3,4. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 1 Peter 3:21. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you—not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 20:22. When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, receive the Holy Spirit. John 13: 14, 15. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have set you an Example, that you also should do as l have done to you. Act. 8:17. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
(7) 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods own People, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of the darkness into his marvellous light.
(8) John 3:3. No one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. Tit 3:5 but according to his mercy, through the water of re-birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
(9) Mark 10:13, 14, 16. People were bringing little Children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs to And he took them up in his arms ,laid his hands on them, and blessed them. Gen 17 :10-14
(10) Eph. 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism." ;
UNDERSTANDING INFANT BAPTISM
Coming to infants, faith, repentance and dedication, are not required from them, as a pre-condition to baptism. They can receive baptism and experience re-birth, through the faith of their parents and the Church, which administer this sacrament. As the infant grow, they must be helped to grow in the experience of re-birth, through personal commitment.
The conditions to be satisfied in infant baptism are (1) At least one parent must be a Christian In the case of an orphan, the foster parent must be a Christian. (2) There must be a god-parent, to take upon himself or herself, the responsibility of bringing up the child in Christian faith and dedication. The god-parent denounces satan and proclaims faith in Jesus Christ, on behalf of the child.
The faith of the congregation is also important, whether infant baptism or adult baptism. Note that the disciples were not able to heal a boy, because of their lack of faith even though the boy’s father had faith (St. Mark 9:17-29).
Examples of children and grown-ups who were benefited by the faith of others:
* The Children, blessed by Jesus, were not in a position to have faith. Their mothers had faith.
* The daughter of the Canaanite woman was healed, through the faith of the mother (St. Mark 15:21-28)
* John the Baptist, while in the womb of the mother, received Holy Spirit (St. Luke 1:15, 39-44). It must had been through the faith of the mother.
* The man sick of palsy was given the forgiveness of sins, through the faith of those who brought him (St. Matthew 9:1-2)
Other reasons which justify Infant Baptism:
1. To deny infants, baptism, means denial of the entry into the kingdom of God (St.John 3:3). Jesus answered In truth, in very truth I tell you, unless a man has been born over again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven. It is against the command of Jesus Christ who said Let the children come to me and prevent them not (St Mark 10:14)
2. To deny children, baptism is also against the words of St. Peter, on the day of the Pentecost. For the promise is to you and to your children (infants) and to all who are far away, every-one whom the Lord our God may call (Acts 2:39). Here the Greek word used for children is tekna meaning infants.
3. It is universally accepted fact that the spiritual foundation of children is laid, in the very early years of infancy, hence it follows that baptism is to given as early as possible.
4. In fact infant baptism proclaims the truth that is God who takes the initiative in our spiritual life. This agrees with the words of God given through the prophet Isaiah For the sake of Jacob my servant, and Israel my chosen, I called you by name, and given you, your title, though you have not known me, I am the Lord, there is no other; there is no god besides me. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me. (Isaiah 45:4-5). The Holy Spirit takes the initiative when He enters our hearts and gives us faith. And no one can say, Jesus is Lord except under the influence of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 12:3). It is true that we have to respond to the working of the Holy Spirit. In the case of infants, they can respond as they grow up. See how the Spirit worked in John the Baptist, as he grew up from infancy. As the child grew up he became strong in Spirit (St Luke 1:80).
5. There is not a single verse in the Holy Bible, against infant baptism and there is no record of any postponement of baptism to adulthood, in the Holy Bible.
6. At the same time we find whole families getting baptised which implies infant baptism. The word family or household is used in the Holy Bible when there is at least one child for the couple. That is why in the case of Zachariah and Elizabeth, we read ‘Both of them and not Zachariah’s family (St.Luke 1:6). Hence baptism of a person’s household includes baptism of children also.
a. Lydia’s household was baptism as we see in Acts 16:15. She was baptized and her household with her.
b. The jailor of Philippi and his whole family were baptised as we see in Acts 16:33.
c. The baptism of the household of Stephanos is mentioned I Corinthians: 1:16.
d. The Baptism of the household of Crispus mentioned in Acts 18:6. Crispus, who held office in the synagogue, now became a believer in the Lord, with all this household and a number of Corinthians listened and believed, and were baptised.
These incidental references show that infant baptism was prevalent in the apostolic times. But a person who received baptism in his infancy, if he does not live a life of faith and repentance will not be benefited by his baptism. The baptismal covenant or dedication, is to be renewed again and again, through Holy Confession, whether he had received his baptism in infancy or adulthood. If anyone wishes to be a follower of mine, he must leave self behind, day by day; he must take up his cross and come with me (St Luke 9:23).
Baptism shall not be repeated in any case, if it was conducted according to the canons of the Church. Once a son is always a son is always a son. If he turns out to be a prodigal, what is necessary is only repentance and re-dedication, and not repetition of baptism. Repetition of baptism, is against the words of St. Paul, who says One Lord, One faith, One Baptism ‘(Eph. 4:5)
Taken from Rejoice in the Lord (A collection of essays)
By Late Lamented H.G. Dr. Mathews Mar Barnabas Metropolitan
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ABOUT THE HOLY QURBANA (EUCHARIST)
Holy Qurbana is the Sacrament that makes us partake in The Holy Body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ as food and drink, for the well being and salvation of our souls.(1)Because the Word united with human nature, just as His humanity is called God', the Holy Spirit dwells in the bread and wine offered in the Holy Qurbana. (2) Therefore it is to be believed that they are the Holy Body and Blood of the Lord, according to His command that 'this is My Body, and this is My Blood', (3) Though the substance does not change in sight and taste, to become the Holy Body and Blood, (4) those who receive them with faith and devotion get remission of sins and eternal life as the fruit of the Holy Body and Blood of our Lord. (5) But those who partake of it, without discrimination and devotion shall be condemned (6) It is not only that the Holy Qurbana is participation in the Holy Body and the Blood of Jesus,
(7) but also it is a sacrifice and offering according to the New Testament. (8) This sacrifice is more fruitful and glorious than sacrifices according to the Law and Old testament like blood offerings which foreshowed that the one sacrifice of Christ is to take place. (9) By this, it is shown that the sacrifice of Christ, for the sake of the salvation of the world has been accomplished: and it recalls his birth, public ministry, death, burial, resurrection etc. The articles like bread, wine, Tablet (portable Altar) etc, used in the Holy Qurbana and actions like fraction (breaking of the bread) and elevation of mysteries, symbolise the articles and actions used by Christ in His one and only sacrifice. It is not authorised to give Body alone, or Blood alone to the people, without the 'fraction' service in which Body and Blood are mixed.
(10) Since through the service of fraction, Blood is mixed in the Body and Body is mixed in the Blood, Qurbana can be dispensed either from the cup or from the chalice, and it is unnecessary to give twice, since Body and Blood are there in both. Those who receive the Holy Qurbana shall take Holy Confession sincerely, and receive it with true faith, devotion and prayer, and also preparing oneself with fasting, for the honour of the Holy Qurbana. (11) The bread that is used in the Holy Qurbana must be leavened, just as the bread used by Christ in his last supper was leavened. (12) Thus, through this, it is shown that Christ is the leaven that gives life to the whole world.
(1) Heb. 2:9 so that by the Grace of God he might taste death for everyone
(2) Mark 14:22-23 while they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, Take; this is my body Then he took up a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, This is my blood Of the Covenant, which is poured out for many. John 6:55. for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. Matthew 26:26-28. Luke 22:19, 20 & 1Cor. 11:24-29
(3) 1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
(4) 1 Cor. 11:28 examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. Matthew 26:28. for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. John 6:51,53, 54,56,57 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. So Jesus said to them, Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day. Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me.
(5) 1 Cor. 11:29-30 For all who eat and drink without discerning the body eat and drink judgement against themselves. For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.
(6) 1 Cor. 10:16. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?
(7) Mal.1:11. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. Matthew 5:23,24 So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother and sister and then come and offer your gift. Eph. 5:2. Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
(8) Heb. 10:1 Since the law was only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities. Heb.9:13,14 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified. how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!
(9) Luke. 22: 1 9. Do this in remembrance of me. 1 Cor. 11: 20.24-26.
(10) Rom. 6:9. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. Isa. 6:6-7 Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out. John 6:51.
(II) Mark. 14:22. while they were eating, he took a loaf of bread. I Cor. 5:8 therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
(12) Matthew 13:33. He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.*
* The syriac word Ammeera here used for bread, is used for bread make with leavened dough, and not for making bread with unleavened bread (Patheera). ";
ABOUT HOLY CONFESSION
Confession is a sacrament in which we receive remission of sins through repentance before God, by confessing our sins before the priest, who is the representative of God. It is also known as the sacrament (mystery) of repentance (1) It is right and be-coming on the part of priests, as representatives of God, to preach to the people, correct them, admonish them about their open sins, and lead them in the path of righteousness. Besides, as far as possible, the priest should try to know their activities, and also their inner spiritual condition, and give each of them the necessary counsel, and save them from their wrong ways.
The priest shall admonish the people about their sins sympathetically like a loving father. They shall prescribe appropriate amends to be made by the people for their sins, like fasting, giving alms and the like; they should tell the people and make them fear the justice of God, comfort them by making them depend on God's grace by telling them about His mercy, (2) saying on them the prayer of absolution, and bless them. For priests to do these things, it is necessary to know about the activities and inner condition of each person. (3) Those who made their confession should reveal to the priest, all their sins, and the state of their conscience.
(4) The priest should never reveal to any one, the sins revealed to him. Any priest, who violates this and reveals them, shall be liable for condemnation and punishment.(5) Priests do not acquire the authority to forgive sins by their own righteousness or their own power. (6) They pronounce forgiveness of sins by their advice, (7) by their prayers and by the grace they have received from the Lord. If it is right to say that the woman resurrected by the Lord by the prayer of Peter, was resurrected by Peter, then it is equally right to say about the Lord forgiving sins through confession and other sacraments, that the priests have authority to forgive sins. This agrees with the command of the Lord, If you forgive someone his sins, he shall be forgiven, and shall not amount to blasphemy.
(1) Mal. 2:7 For the lips of the priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. Isa 3:17-21 Mortal, I have made you a sentinel for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die and you give them no warning, or speak to warn the wicked from their wicked way, in order to save their life……………………………. etc.
Titus 1:9 He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. I Tim. 5:20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest also may stand in fear.
(2) Lev. 5:5-6 When you realize your guilt in any of these, you shall confess the sin that you have committed. And you shall bring to the Lord, as your penalty for the sin that you have committed…….etc. and the priest shall make atonement on your behalf for your sin.
(3) Deu. 26:3-3-10. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him,……. etc. Psal. 111:1.1 will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Matthew 3:6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Matthew 8:4. Then Jesus said to him. See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them. Act. 19:18 Also many of those who became believers confessed and disclosed their practices. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Num. 5:6,7 Lev.13. Pro.28:13
(4) Pro. 11:13 A gossip goes about telling secrets, but one who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a confidence. Pro. 25:9. Argue your case with your neighbour directly, and do not disclose another's secret.
(5) Acts 3:12, When Peter saw it, he addressed the people, You Israelites, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our power or piety we had made him walk?
(6) James 5:19,20 – My brothers and sisters, if any one among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner's soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
(7) 1 Tit. 2:1,2 – First of all, then I urge that supplication and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and dignity.
(8) John 20:22,23 – When he has said this, he breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retains the sins of any, they are retained. 1Tim. 4:14 – DO not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with laying on of hands by the council of elders";
ABOUT HOLY OILS
It is necessary that (1) we put on Christ in baptism (2) be born again in water and Holy Spirit (3) and be anointed by him and sealed for life. (4) Therefore, as the sign of these things, it is necessary to be anointed and sealed by holy Chrism and consecrated olive oil. Holy Chrism, which is consecrated by the Chief Metropolitan alone is used in baptism and also in the consecration of churches and tablets (Portable Altars). The olive oil sanctified by the bishops is also used in baptism. The use of these holy oils teaches us that we are to put on Christ and are to be reborn by the Holy Spirit, and we be sealed for life; It also shows us by action that it is being done so. When it is used in this way, they should be used in faith and devotion that they become effective in the spirit too.
(1) Gal : 3: 27, As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
(2) John: 3:5 No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water ad Spirit.
(3) Eph. 1 :13 and have believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit. Chapter 10
(4) Ex. 30:22-33. The Lord spoke to Moses; take the finest spices: of liquid myrrhfive hundred shekels…….Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an unqualified person shall be cut off from the people. Song of Songs 3:6. What is that coming up from the wilderness, like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the fragrant powders of the merchants? 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you.";
ABOUT THE HOLY ORDERS
Priests are the guides to transform worldly people to be heavenly, and those with animal nature to be of Godly nature.
(1)They are the ambassadors of the unseen (2) God and the ministers of the Holy sacraments entrusted to the church by God. (3)No one can take this position upon himself on his own. (4)It shall be only for those chosen according to the will of God, and who receives the laying of hands from Christ. (5)Without the laying of hands according to this, and the necessary permission, no one has the authority to minister in the church or to preach publicly. The higher authority for the holy orders shall vest with the Patriarch Moran Mar Ignatius, who reigns on the throne of Antioch. (6)Those who belong to the holy orders, as long as they are not ousted or excommunicated by council (synods ) or by their respective higher ( spiritual ) authorities, though they are ineligible, nobody can doubt about the fruits of the sacraments ministered by them or refrain from participating in them.
Because they have (7) the holy anointment in them, and because the sacraments are ministered unto them in the name of Christ, and because the fruits of the sacraments do not depend on the righteousness of the priest who ministers unto them, those who participate in them with pure conscience and true faith, get their benefits. However for those priests who minister unto them in an unholy and unbecoming manner, they shall be for condemnation and punishment. (8)However, those who are seen as evil, shall be excommunicated, after which they shall not administer any sacraments; and the faithful laity shall not partake with those who defy and administer sacraments.
(1) 2 Cor. 5:20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
(2) Act, 6:4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.
(3) Heb. 5:4 And one does not presume to take his honour, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
(4) 4) 1 Tit. 4 : 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying of the hands by the council of elders. John 20 : 22,23, Act. 12 : 2,3, 2 Tim. 2:2, Tit 1: 5
(5) 5) Jer. 23:21 I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied
(6) 6) Mathew 23 :2,3 The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach.
(7) Levi. 21:12 The consecration of the anointing oil of his God is upon him. Mathew 22:23. On that day many will say to me, : Lord , Lord, did we not prophecy in your name and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name ? Then I will declare to them , I never knew you ; go away from me, you evil doers.
(8) St. Matthew 18:17 – If the member refuses to listen to them, tell is church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let one to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 1 Cor. 5:11.";
ABOUT MARRIAGE
Marriage is a holy sacrament that binds man and woman binds them inseparably and unites them spiritually, and gives them and their children blessings and graces from God.
1- Marriage is good 2- Marriage should not be denied to anyone. 3- However, no one has the right to marry another woman, when his lawful wife is alive, or to divorce his wife for any reasons other than those stipulated in the Hoodaya' canon, by the church, or to marry, violating the provisions given in the canon law. 4- Marriage is not merely an agreement, (5)It is a sacrament, and because it is by God that a woman in arranged for marriage to man, and they become one flesh, marriage shall not be conducted without a priest, who is the representative of God.
1- Hebrew 13:4 Let marriage be held in honour by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.
2- 1 Timothy 4:3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
3- Matthew 19:4-9 He answered, Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning made them male and female ……. Leviticus :.18
4- Romans 7:2 Thus a married woman is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is discharged from the law concerning the husband.
5- Matthew 19:6 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Proverbs 19:14 – A prudent wife is from the Lord.";
ABOUT ANOINTMENT OF THE SICK
1- It is necessary that one should pray for another. 2- Also to carry burdens mutually. 3- To pray especially for the sick; and for priests, through their counsels to make the sick, courageous in Spirit; to pray for their healing in body and Spirit and to anoint them with olive oil.
This oil, called "the Oil of grace, which is sanctified by bishops or by priests, who are permitted to bless olive oil, as per the Order of Kantheela (Order of anointing the sick) is applied on the sick, is effective in making the sick courageous enough to win over the temptation of Satan, and to show that they have renounced worldly ambitions, and their spirits have been anointed with the oil of the grace of the Lord. It can also be a means of healing, if the Lord wills.
1 – James 5:16 – And pray for one another. I Thes. 1:2. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly.
2 – Galations 6:2 – Bear one another's burdens, an in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.
3 – James 5:14,15 – 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. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up: and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. St. Mark 6:13- They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.";
