Frequently Asked Questions
+Where did the Orthodox Church originate?
Jesus Christ founded His Church through the Apostles. By the grace received from God at Pentecost, the Apostles established the Church throughout the ancient world — St. Paul founded the Church of Antioch, St. Peter and St. James the Church of Jerusalem, St. Andrew the Church of Constantinople, St. Mark the Church of Alexandria, and St. Peter and St. Paul the Church of Rome. For a thousand years the Church was one, unbroken and undivided. After the Great Schism of 1054 A.D., when the Latin (western) church separated from eastern Christendom, the eastern non-Oriental churches became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church, to distinguish them from what subsequently became the Roman Catholic Church.
+What is Orthodox Christian hope based on?
Our entire hope is Jesus Christ, received through following God's commandments, through communion in the holy mysteries of the body and blood of Christ, and through persevering prayer in the Holy Spirit.
+What are the main languages used in the Service?
Malayalam and English.
+What are the sources of Orthodox Tradition?
Five sources, passed down from Christ to the Apostles: Holy Scripture (Old and New Testaments); the Liturgy, including the sacraments; the councils of the Church and their creeds and canons; the Saints of the Church, especially the writings of the Church Fathers; and Church art, which expresses the intangible and the revelation of God.
+Under which Diocese does our Church come?
The Diocese of Brahmavar.
+Who is the Metropolitan of the Brahmavar Diocese and St Mary's Orthodox Church, Panaji?
His Grace Yakob Mar Elias.