Quintessence of Religious Doctrines - Malankarasyriac Voice

26On the Holy Baptism 51can fulfil all the necessary conditions for the wiping out ofthe sins of the baptised infants and that God would respondto the faith of the baptismal parents.10. Baptism which accomplishes the remission of sins shall beadministered only for once. Therefore, if a baptised person turnsout to be a heretic but subsequently returns penitently to thefold of the believers, that person need not be baptised again.He or she is to be received into the fold on account of his or herrepentance. But as regards the baptism administered by thosewho have erred from Orthodoxy and by those heretics who donot possess true and valid priesthood based on rightful apostolicsuccession, it must be deemed defective. So in such cases, anapproach depending on the gravity of the heresy held and asprescribed by Hudaya Canon must he adhered to. Thus in thecase of some heretics simple chrismation with Holy Myron, likeadministering the sacrament of the anointing of the sick will besufficient. Whereas in some other instances simple avowal ofabandoning of the heresy and the profession of orthodoxy willbe enough. But in a few extreme cases the entire ceremony ofbaptism must be performed.Ref: Eph. 4:5. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.(G.N.B.)CommentThe theology of baptism is explained here. Baptism that wascelebrated validily shall not be repeated due to the minorfaults of the recipient. But this is not the case regarding themajor or the very serious faults of the baptismal candidateor a baptism celebrated by priests whose ordinations areinvalid. They are to be rectified canonically.Theme No: 7On the Holy EucharistIntroductionThe Holy Eucharist is the sacrament which provides spiritualfood and drink for the sustenance cum salvation of our soulsand which links us to the blessed body and blood of Jesus Christ.1. As God the Word got united with a body possessing humannature, so in the same way God the Holy Spirit becomes presentin the bread and wine offered in the sacred Eucharisticcelebration.Ref: Heb. 2:9. Because of God’s wonderful kindness Jesusdied for everyone. (L.B.)CommentThe Church considers the Eucharist as a Sacrifice. TheEucharist is the reenactment of the supreme sacrifice of JesusChrist. This is the central faith of the Church regarding theEucharist. The ‘Didache’, the oldest extant liturgy of theChurch which summarises ‘The teachings of the Lord throughthe twelve Apostles’ applies the appellation ‘sacrifice’ to theEucharist. It further declares, ‘To us Thou has given Spiritualfood and drink through Thy servant’. Ancient Fathers likeIgnatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, et. al. consideredEucharist as sacred sacrifice and food for the sustenance ofthe Spirit. The teaching of St.Cyril of Alexandria, with regardto the Eucharist is the most realistic and revealing. Accordingto him, the three Persons of the Trinity work together in theEucharist, to accomplish our salvation.2. In accordance with the decree of Jesus Christ, the Eucharisticelements must be believed to be the sacred body and blood ofJesus. As the human physique of Jesus is called divine becauseof its union with divinity, so the Holy Eucharist in which God is