Quintessence of Religious Doctrines - Malankarasyriac Voice

80160Quintessence of Religious DoctrinesTheme No: 34On Synods and the Magisterium of the ChurchIntroductionOn the days following the death of our Lord and his disciples,pagan kings and lords used to persecute the Christian Church.1. The devout, however, adhered to their ways of faith withoutabandoning orthodoxy. But, once the persecution was over,and the Church began to experience times of peace, manyheretics teacher arose from within the Church, began to interpretBiblical verses to their liking and propagate heterodoxicaldoctrines against the true import of the teachings of Apostles.This caused the convening by the Christian rulers, of the GeneralCouncils of Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus. There, theheretics were excommunicated from the Church, Orthodoxyreconfirmed and rules cum regulations formulated for itspreservation.Ref: (a) Acts. 20:29, 30. I know, that after I leave, fierce wolveswill come among you, and they will not spare theflock. The time will come when some men from yourown group will tell lies to lead the believers awayafter them. (G.N.B.)(b) Mt. 24: 4, 5 Jesus answered, “Be on your guard, anddo not let anyone deceive you; many men, claimingto speak for me will come and say, “I am the Messiah!And they will deceive many people.” (G.N.B.)(c) Col. 2:8. See to it, then that no one enslaves you bymeans of the worthless deceit of human wisdom,which comes from the things handed down by menand from the ruling spirits of the universe and notfrom Christ. (G.N.B.)(d) 2Jn. 10:11. So then, if someone comes to you, whodoes not bring this teaching, do not welcome him inyour homes; do not even say, “Peace be with you;”for anyone who wishes him peace becomes hispartner in the evil things he does. (G.N.B.)CommentThe circumstances that led to the convening of the threeecumenical councils are explained. Further the outcomes ofthese councils are also described in general.2. No one has the right or authority to accept or preach any theorythat contravenes the faith formulated by those General Councilsof Nicaea, Constantinople and Ephesus.Ref: (a) Gal. 1:8, 9. But even if we or an angel from heavenshould preach to you a gospel that is different fromthe one we preached to you, may he be condemnedto hell. (G.N.B.)(b) Prov. 22:28. Never move an old boundary mark thatyour ancestors established. (G.N.B.)CommentThe affirmation that the S.O.C. acknowledges only thecouncils of Nicaea, Constantinople and Epheseus, of325,352,381 C.E. respectively. It may be noted that theByzantine Church recognises seven councils. In other wordsthis Church accepts the four subsequent Councils also. Theyare those of Chalcedon, Constantinople II, ConstantinopleIII, and Nicaea II, held in 451,553,680, and 787 C.E.respectively. For the Roman Church, however, fourteenfurther councils are treated as ecumenical ones.3. But regulations, observances and conventions which are inagreement with the orthodox teachings cum ways of thinkingcan be enunciated from time to time as necessitated by the timesand climes, by the ecumenical synods consisting of the bishops,priests, et. al. of the Catholic and Apostolic Church. As theceremonies in the holy sacraments like Baptism, Holy Eucharist,Matrimony and ceremonials related to Epiphany, Palm Sunday,Good Friday, Easter Day and Day of Pentecost etc. are inperfect accordance with orthodox faith of the Church, and